GAINEY TO STATE: NC State is keeping it in the family, hiring Justin Gainey as their new head coach

NC State is on the verge of completing its coaching search by bringing back a familiar face to lead the Wolfpack men’s basketball program. Multiple reports indicate the school is preparing to name Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey as its next head coach, giving the former NC State point guard his first opportunity at the helm.

Gainey, who starred at point guard for the Wolfpack from 1996 to 2000 and helped the make an ACC Tournament title run where he played every minute of every game. Gainey has strong ties to the program. He launched his coaching career in Raleigh as an administrative coordinator and director of basketball operations under Sidney Lowe. After gaining experience at several other schools, including Elon, Appalachian State, Santa Clara, Arizona, and Marquette, he joined Rick Barnes’ staff at Tennessee in 2021.

Over the past four seasons in Knoxville, Gainey has climbed the ranks to become associate head coach. He has been a key contributor to Tennessee’s sustained success, helping the Volunteers reach the Elite Eight in three straight seasons while building one of the nation’s most elite defenses. Tennessee has posted multiple top-10 defensive rankings according to KenPom, including a No. 9 unit this past season.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been vocal in his strong endorsement of Gainey, telling reporters he hopes his longtime assistant lands the job. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey,” Barnes said. He added that if NC State fully understood what he knows about Gainey, “they would be begging him to be their next head coach,” emphasizing that Gainey is ready to lead not just at NC State, but at a program like Tennessee or anywhere in the country.

Barnes highlighted Gainey’s deep North Carolina roots, his playing career as a four-year starter, and his excellence in scouting, preparation, recruiting, and player development. At 49 years old, Gainey brings a wealth of experience from working under respected coaches like Herb Sendek, Sean Miller, Steve Wojciechowski, and Barnes himself.

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan and school officials reportedly met with Gainey in Chicago over the weekend as part of an accelerated search process following Will Wade’s departure. The move represents a true homecoming for Gainey, who has repeatedly expressed his love for the university and his desire to lead the program long-term.

This hire will inject both familiarity and a proven defensive-minded approach into the Wolfpack and will be one that both past players and the fanbase will be fully behind.