NC State AD uses Philip Rivers quote to throw shade at Will Wade

North Carolina State Wolfpack athletic director Boo Corrigan. Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

NC State AD Boo Corrigan uses Philip Rivers quote to throw shade at Will Wade after HC's exit

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 5:12 PM ET

North Carolina State Wolfpack athletic director Boo Corrigan wants their next men's basketball head coach to be more like former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.

Head coach Will Wade announced Thursday he's leaving the program after one season to reunite with the LSU Tigers, whom he coached from 2017-22 before being fired due to a recruiting scandal. When discussing his departure, Corrigan quoted Rivers, who starred for the Wolfpack from 2000-03.

Boo Corrigan breaks silence on Will Wade's exit

"I think Philip Rivers said it ... the Wolfpack ain't for soft people," Corrigan said, via On3's Noah Fleischman. "We're going to find a coach that understands who we are."

Someone sounds salty. Wade, meanwhile, thanked the program and complimented Corrigan's leadership while explaining his decision to leave.

"This was not an easy decision because of how much respect and appreciation I have for this program and this university," Wade said in a statement. "But the opportunity to return to Louisiana State University is deeply personal. It's a chance to go home — to a place that means a great deal to me and my family."

pic.twitter.com/7FVKZRNnDy
— Will Wade (@CoachWadeNCSU) March 26, 2026

Corrigan added that he doesn't regret his decision to hire Wade but is "disappointed" with how his tenure ended.

Who will NC State target next?

NC State isn't the best job in the country, but it could be enticing for an up-and-coming coach. The Wolfpack have made three NCAA Tournament appearances over the past four seasons, including a Final Four trip in 2024. Two of these came under former HC Kevin Keatts. In one season under Wade, the Wolfpack went 20-14 but lost to the Texas Longhorns 68-66 in the First Four.

NC State should consider targeting VCU Rams HC Phil Martelli Jr. He led the Rams to an 82-78 upset over the North Carolina Tar Heels, a Wolfpack rival, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Whoever NC State hires next, he'd better be loyal like Rivers. The ex-QB played for just two teams, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, during his 18-year career.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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