Coaching Candidates Emerge as McNeese State Searches for Head Coach

Lake Charles, La. — McNeese State University is on the hunt for a new men’s basketball coach following the departure of Will Wade, who led the Cowboys to two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure. Wade’s successful run came to an end when he accepted a head coaching position at North Carolina State University in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

During Wade’s time at McNeese, he not only secured NCAA tournament berths but also achieved a victory in the tournament during the most recent season. His exit has prompted university officials to explore various candidate options, some of which have troubling pasts.

As the search unfolds, sources indicate potential candidates include Donnie Tyndall, the former head coach at Tennessee who has been under scrutiny for past NCAA violations. Tyndall was hired by Tennessee in 2014 but only lasted one season after an NCAA investigation found he oversaw academic fraud at his previous position with Southern Miss. The NCAA ultimately imposed a 10-year show-cause penalty, the longest in its history, making his hiring appear unlikely.

“While Tyndall certainly has a track record of success, McNeese would face significant challenges if they decided to hire him due to the ongoing restrictions from his past violations,” said a source familiar with the coaching search.

Along with Tyndall, other potential candidates for the role include Bob Huggins, the former West Virginia coach, and Sam Mitchell, a former NBA head coach. Both have extensive experience, but their prior successes in their careers do not overshadow their controversial pasts.

Bob Huggins, who was recently embroiled in controversy due to his resignation from West Virginia, has a chequered history despite being a well-respected figure in college basketball. Sam Mitchell’s NBA experience adds depth to his candidacy; however, there are concerns about whether an NBA approach would translate effectively to college coaching.

Despite these high-profile candidates, the McNeese administration is dissecting the implications of hiring any coach with a controversial past. The decision must balance the potential for on-court success with the university’s reputation and commitment to ethical standards.

“The goal is to find someone who can steer us toward success while also maintaining our integrity as a program,” said a McNeese Athletic Department spokesperson. “The incoming coach needs the ability to connect with the community and recruit talented athletes.”

As the deadline for hiring approaches, the Cowboys’ athletic department continues to sift through applicants and evaluate candidates based on both their performance and history. Fans and alumni are also contemplating what future leadership might bring to the storied program.

In the interim, the McNeese team will need to maintain focus on their upcoming season, as uncertainty hangs over the program’s direction without a head coach.