LSU Hires Wade, Fires McMahon

0:00On March 26, LSU made a big move in men's basketball this week, firing Coach Matt McMahon after four seasons and bringing back Will Wade. McMahon leaves with a buyout of more than $8 million since three years remain on his deal. The Tigers finished 15 and 17 overall this year. Dead last in the SEC at 3 and 15 in conference play. Wade, who coached LSU until 2022, returns after one season at NC State, where they went 20 and 14. Earlier this week, reports surfaced about Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry's role in pushing for Wade, similar to his involvement in football hiring. Talks. Wade had success at McNeese State before NC State, leading the Cowboys to the NCAA tournament in both seasons there, despite a 10 game suspension from. Past penalties. McMahon came to LSU from Murray State, where he posted a standout 31 in three record in his final year. Fans and observers have mixed feelings, with some excited about Wade's winning track record

1:01and others wary of his history. The program hasn't reached the NCAA tournament since Wade's last year there as a number 6 seed. His return feels personal to him, tying back to his roots in Louisiana and family connections. Adding to the shakeup, LSU recently hired a new president with ties to Wade from his McNeese days. McMahon took over amid Wade's exit over an old FBI probe into recruiting, back when direct player payments weren't allowed. Now, with name, image, and likeness deals common, the landscape has shifted. LSU hopes Wade can spark a turnaround and get the Tigers dancing again in the postseason.