NC State Fires Kevin Keatts: A Year After Final Four Run, Wolfpack Moves On

In a move that shocked the college basketball world, NC State announced on Sunday that it has fired head coach Kevin Keatts, just a year after he led the Wolfpack on a stunning run to the Final Four. The decision marks the end of an eight-year tenure that saw its fair share of highs and lows, culminating in an abrupt conclusion following a disappointing 2024-25 season.

The Rise: Keatts’ Journey to the Final Four

Kevin Keatts arrived in Raleigh in 2017, taking over an NC State program eager to return to national prominence. Coming from UNC Wilmington, where he had led the Seahawks to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, Keatts was seen as a rising star in the coaching world.

His early years at NC State were marked by steady success, including multiple 20-win seasons and NCAA tournament berths. However, the defining moment of his tenure came during the 2023-24 season. The Wolfpack, an underwhelming 10th seed in the ACC Tournament, went on a magical postseason run, capturing the conference title and earning a spot in March Madness.

Once in the NCAA Tournament, NC State continued to defy expectations. Behind a mix of veteran leadership and talented young players, the Wolfpack battled their way to the Final Four for the first time since the legendary 1983 championship season under Jim Valvano. Though their dream run ended short of a national title, the achievement revitalized excitement around the program and seemingly solidified Keatts’ position as the team’s leader.

The Fall: A Disastrous 2024-25 Season

Despite the high expectations following their Final Four appearance, NC State struggled mightily in the 2024-25 season. The Wolfpack finished with a 12-19 record, including a 5-15 mark in ACC play, failing to qualify for the conference tournament. A brutal nine-game losing streak in the middle of the season effectively ended any hopes of a return to the postseason.

The struggles were due to a combination of factors. Key players from the Final Four run either graduated or transferred, and the team failed to find the same chemistry that made them so dangerous the previous year. Recruiting struggles and the evolving transfer portal landscape also hurt the program, as NC State failed to land impact players who could fill the void left behind.

With the Wolfpack slipping back into mediocrity, the university’s administration decided it was time for a change.

The Decision to Move On

Athletic Director Boo Corrigan issued a statement on Sunday thanking Keatts for his contributions but acknowledging the need for a new direction.

“I want to thank Coach Keatts for his leadership and dedication to our basketball program,” Corrigan said. “He represented NC State with class and integrity, and we will always appreciate his efforts. However, after evaluating the direction of our program, we believe a change is necessary as we strive for sustained success at the highest level.”

Keatts, in a brief statement, expressed pride in what he accomplished at NC State.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved here, and I believe this program is in a better place than when I arrived,” Keatts said. “I’m grateful to my players, staff, and the Wolfpack community for their support over the years.”

His final comment, jokingly stating he was “officially entering the portal,” reflected the reality of today’s college basketball landscape, where both players and coaches frequently find themselves seeking new opportunities.

What’s Next for NC State?

With Keatts out, NC State now embarks on a national search for his replacement. Several names have already been floated as potential candidates, including:

• Bucky McMillan (Samford) – A rising star known for his innovative offensive system. He was reportedly a candidate for the Florida State job before NC State made their move.
• Chris Beard (Ole Miss) – A proven winner with deep tournament experience, though past off-court controversies could make him a risky hire.
• Will Wade (McNeese State) – A strong recruiter with an aggressive coaching style, but his past NCAA infractions may give NC State pause.
• Pat Kelsey (College of Charleston) – A program-builder who has led Charleston to sustained success.

NC State’s next coach will inherit a program that still has potential but faces challenges in a competitive ACC. The transfer portal and NIL landscape make rebuilding a roster more unpredictable than ever, meaning whoever steps in must be prepared to navigate these modern realities.

Kevin Keatts’ Legacy at NC State

While the sudden firing may overshadow his accomplishments, Keatts leaves behind a mixed but respectable legacy at NC State.

Positives:

• Led the team to a Final Four appearance, the program’s best showing in over 40 years.
• Consistently fielded competitive teams and had multiple 20-win seasons.
• Recruited and developed NBA-level talent.

Negatives:

• Inconsistent success in the ACC, never finishing higher than fourth in the conference standings.
• Struggled to retain top players amid the rise of the transfer portal.
• Failed to maintain momentum after the Final Four run, leading to a disappointing final season.

Ultimately, Keatts will be remembered as a coach who brought excitement back to NC State basketball, but one who couldn’t sustain long-term success.

Conclusion

NC State’s decision to fire Kevin Keatts just a year after a Final Four run highlights the brutal nature of college basketball. While he provided unforgettable moments for Wolfpack fans, the administration’s desire for consistent success ultimately led to his departure.

Now, the program turns the page, looking for a new leader to restore NC State to national prominence. Whoever takes the job will have high expectations, but if the right hire is made, the Wolfpack could be back competing at the top of the ACC sooner rather than later.