In an unexpected turn of events, North Carolina State University has parted ways with head men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts, bringing an end to an eight-year stint that saw the program’s collapse this year prove too daunting to overcome, even when compared to last season’s stunning finale.
NC State Parts Ways with Kevin Keatts
The announcement emerged a day after the Wolfpack finished 12-19 and failed to qualify for the ACC Tournament as defending champions.
Keatts, who took over at NC State in 2017, encountered both successes and struggles throughout his eight-season tenure. His leadership peaked during the 2023-24 season when the Wolfpack won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship and made a remarkable run to the Final Four.
However, the trend did not continue into the next season. The Wolfpack underperformed, going 12-19 overall and 5-15 in ACC play, failing to make it to the conference tournament.
The recession triggered the university to look for new leadership for its men’s basketball team.
Official Statements
“I want to thank Coach Keatts for his contributions to N.C. State and for always representing the university with class,” athletic director Boo Corrigan said in a statement. “He will always have a treasured place in Wolfpack history for the accomplishments of his 2023-24 squad, and I appreciate the passion he brought to this role. We wish him and his family the best in the future.”
In response, Keatts posted his statement on social media, calling the past eight years “a dream come true.”
“As we enter this new era of college sports, I wholeheartedly believe that I am leaving the program in a better position to succeed than when I started — and that the basketball program will continue to thrive when supported to the level necessary to compete,” Keatts said.
He signed off with a nod to players being able to transfer freely in a rapidly evolving college sports landscape.
“I am officially entering the portal,” Keatts said.
Keatts’ base contract ran until April 2030, with a two-year extension initiated automatically by last year’s postseason achievements. According to the contract, NCS would owe Keatts around $6.9 million in base salary only to buy out the remaining terms of the agreement.
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Keatts’ exit concludes a significant era in NC State basketball history. While his tenure includes important accomplishments, the recent season’s struggles underlined the university’s decision to go after new leadership.
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