LIVE UPDATES: The NC State Coaching Big Board | Sunday

The morning started with a lull in updates. The NC State brass flew from STL (Schertz), to Chicago (Gainey), and then to Greenville, SC (Richey) to interview their top 3 choices for the NC State head coaching job. They had woken up at 5 am and didn’t get home until nearly 11 PM. It was a long day, but a lot had been accomplished.

Here is what has gone on since then…

– The biggest news is Josh Schertz has removed his name from consideration. I was told early in this search that Schertz was NC State’s 1A option , but felt it was a long shot. NC State never officially made an offer, but the money was there. The NIL was a massive jump from what SLU was offering and the salary would have been a bump. However at the end of the day, this is a guy that is being floated for the Arizona job pretty heavily if Lloyd jumps to UNC. He’s also a darkhorse if Michigan opens. With schools of that level knocking at your door, I get it, locking yourself into NC State might not make sense. As for the NC State side, this was always my worry with him. He’s a great coach, his metrics are insane, and he wins. But the fanbase in Raleigh has gotten their fix of shooting for the stars, and is finally ready to settle down with a little consistency. Honestly, I would say the majority of the fan base wanted the next coach to be Justin Gainey. At this point, that looks like what is going to happen.

– The groundswell behind Gainey was real. Former players, coaches, and alums became very vocal over the past couple of days. We’ve been in contact with many of them and have heard a lot of things about Justin that really make it seem like this is going to be a great fit and an easy transition.

– We’ll have to get into this one later, but we were told Justin had the backing of a very key figure as the search went on. One that, if he were to jump into the NIL world, would change things considerably. I’m told the two chatted, and it went really well. This is something we’ll be paying close attention to.

– We asked a source we would consider as good as you can get here, and we’re told Gainey will take this job 100%. I was told “1000%.”  I asked if there is a world where Rick Barnes surprisingly retires and Gainey chooses to stay in Tennessee. I’m told even if that were to happen, Justin would still come to Raleigh.

-We believe this is all but over. With Schertz out, it won’t get past Gainey. So I wouldn’t worry about the Bob Richey interview. I think that was either a nice gesture by Boo, or a desperation fallback option. I believe Justin and Boo had spoken even prior to the plane landing in Chicago where it became obvious that if they offered, he’d accept.

– As things move forward, we’ll have a lot more on the potential staff, and I’m already hearing some portal names that will be potentially targeted if this hire is made. Oh, and I’ve been told that the chances of retaining players from last year dramatically increase if Gainey is named HC.

– Confirmed that Gainey and Boo spoke this morning. Not that it matters now, but it was a second call prior to getting the word on Schertz.

– Confirmed prominent alumni have reached out to Boo, saying they will support any hire, but want Gainey. The #GaineyGroundswell is real.

Updates will be posted here as new news breaks…

Now to the big board…which is down to a single name.

Justin Gainey | Tennessee

Role: Associate Head Coach
Age: 49
Alma Mater: NC State
Chance he’d accept if offered: 100% (yes, 100%)

Gainey has become one of the most respected assistants in college basketball, particularly known for his defensive expertise and player development. The 49-year-old is in his fifth season on Rick Barnes’ staff at Tennessee in 2025-26, including his third as associate head coach and defensive coordinator. During his time in Knoxville, the Volunteers have been very successful, making multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching Sweet 16s and Elite Eights, and consistently ranked among the nation’s elite defensive squads.

He previously served as associate head coach at Marquette, spent time as an assistant at Arizona, and had earlier stops at Santa Clara, Appalachian State, and Elon. Gainey began his coaching career in administrative roles at NC State.

Pros: He’s a proven entity working under one of the nation’s most well-respected coaches.  He has helped build elite, tough-minded teams at the high-major level. Gainey excels at developing guards and point guards, has strong recruiting ties (especially in North Carolina), and has worked under successful head coaches like Rick Barnes and Sean Miller. As a former player and staff member at NC State, he’d know what he’d be getting himself into, and he’d have a deep understanding of the expectations, fanbase, and culture. If Gainey is offered this job, he 100% takes it. That’s not our opinion; that’s from as good a source as there is on this topic.

Cons: He has no head coaching experience at any level, which is the biggest question mark for programs. Some fans might prefer a candidate with prior success as a head coach, but if you don’t need that, then Gainey is as good as it gets.

Style of Play: Gainey’s primary impact is on the defensive end, where Tennessee has been historically dominant, emphasizing physicality, discipline, communication, and forcing opponents into inefficient shots. Offensively, he has contributed to high-assist-rate teams that feature skilled guard play and ball movement. His background as a very fundamental point guard translates well into developing trustworthy and talented guards.

NC connection: Very strong ties, obviously. Gainey is a former NC State player (1996-2000), where he was a three-year starter at point guard, team captain as a senior, and part of the memorable 1997 ACC Tournament Cinderella run (playing every minute and earning All-Tournament honors). He is from High Point, NC, and began his coaching career on the Wolfpack staff (administrative coordinator 2006-08 and director of basketball operations 2008-09). Returning home to lead his alma mater would be a full-circle opportunity where he’d have a ton of support and deep recruiting ties. He attended Greensboro Day High School in Greensboro.