NC State Men’s Basketball Coaching Search: Is New Mexico’s Richard Pitino 3rd on the List?

There have been many names thrown into the hat that is the NC State search for their next Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Names that were at one point thrown around, but seemingly since disregarded are Georgia’s Mike White, former Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Brey and VCU’s Mike Odom.

There have been many names thrown into the hat for the NC State search for their next Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Names that were at one point considered, but seemingly since disregarded, are Georgia’s Mike White, former Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Brey, and VCU’s Mike Odom.

The two names still in contention are McNeese State’s Will Wade and Tennessee Assistant Coach Justin Gainey, who played point guard at NC State. Wade is the clear priority at this point. Wolfpack Athletic Director Boo Corrigan met with Wade in Louisiana on Thursday, and the buzz continues to point in a positive direction for Wade landing in Raleigh.

It’s assumed that Gainey would gladly accept the job at his alma mater if it were offered to him on a platter.

According to Joe Giglio, another name to watch is New Mexico Head Coach Richard Pitino, the son of St. John’s Head Coach Rick Pitino.

Any of the three would be good hires … as long as the financial commitment is there by State. The key to all of this

— Joe Giglio (@giglio_OG) March 16, 2025

This isn’t the first time that I’ve seen Pitino’s name listed as a possibility for NC State, or that there was interest from the Wolfpack.

Whenever an article mentions the possibility of a future NC State Head Coach without the last name Wade, readers seem to get confused. I’m not saying that Wade isn’t the odds-on favorite to end up in Raleigh—truthfully, I think he is. I’m saying that any intelligent Athletic Director is talking to multiple candidates and keeping options open.

This is Pitino’s fourth season as the Head Coach at New Mexico, and it’s been an impressive run with the Lobos, to say the least. The year before his arrival, the Lobos were a dismal 6-16. In Year 1, under Pitino’s leadership, New Mexico improved their win total by 7, finishing with a 13-19 record. In Year 2, Pitino led the Lobos to their first 20+ win season since 2013-14, finishing with a 22-12 overall record. In Year 3, Pitino saw the fruits of his labor, leading New Mexico to their first Conference Tournament Title since 2014, finishing with a 26-10 record. The Lobos also earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 as a #11 seed, losing in the first round to #6 seed Clemson. This year, the success continued, with New Mexico winning the Mountain West Regular Season Championship and currently holding a 26-7 overall record. The #1 seeded Lobos lost to #5 seed Boise State 69-72. Pitino was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year earlier this month.

Pitino had his highs and lows at Minnesota, where he was the Head Coach from 2013-21. On the high side, he led the Gophers to an NIT Championship in Year 1, and to 2 NCAA Tournament appearances in 2017 and 2019. In 2017, Pitino was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

In May of last year, New Mexico signed a contract extension with Pitino through the 2028-29 season, paying $1.2 million currently.

Villanova has also been listed as a possible landing spot for Pitino.

Wade is the clear priority for NC State, but two other names to watch are Gainey and Pitino. Would Pitino be the 2nd option of the 3rd for Corrigan?