NC State Fires Kevin Keatts After Disappointing Season Following Final Four Success

NC State Parts Ways with Kevin Keatts: A Year After Final Four Glory

In a surprising turn of events, NC State has decided to part ways with Kevin Keatts, the head coach of their men’s basketball team. This decision comes just a year after Keatts led the Wolfpack on a remarkable journey to the Final Four, a feat that had fans and analysts alike singing his praises.

Keatts, who took the helm at NC State in 2017, has had a notable tenure with the team. Over the years, he has managed to post five 20-win seasons and secure three NCAA tournament appearances. His most memorable achievement came last year when he guided the team to the ACC tournament title as a No. 10 seed and then propelled them into the Final Four as a No. 11 seed. It was a Cinderella story that captured the hearts of many.

However, this season has been a stark contrast to the previous one. The Wolfpack struggled significantly, ending the season with a 12-19 record, including a disappointing 5-15 in the ACC. This performance meant they did not qualify for this year’s conference tournament, a factor that likely contributed to the decision to let Keatts go.

In a heartfelt message on social media, Keatts expressed his pride in what he and the team accomplished during his time at NC State. He noted that his tenure began under challenging circumstances, with an NCAA investigation from the previous staff casting a shadow over the program. Despite these hurdles, Keatts believes he is leaving the program in a better position than when he started. He expressed confidence that the basketball program will continue to thrive, provided it receives the necessary support to compete at a high level.

Keatts concluded his message with a somewhat cryptic note, stating that he was “officially entering the portal.” This could suggest that he is open to new coaching opportunities, and it will be interesting to see where his career takes him next.

During his time at NC State, Keatts amassed an overall record of 151-113. The university has announced that it will begin a national search for his replacement, a process that will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

NC State’s athletic director, Boo Corrigan, expressed gratitude for Keatts’ contributions to the university. In a statement, Corrigan thanked Keatts for always representing NC State with class and acknowledged the significant achievements of the 2023-24 squad. He also wished Keatts and his family the best in their future endeavors.

• Kevin Keatts led NC State to the Final Four in 2023-24.
• NC State finished the 2024-25 season with a 12-19 record.
• Keatts’ overall record at NC State was 151-113.
• The university will conduct a national search for a new head coach.

As the search for a new head coach begins, NC State fans will be eager to see who will take the reins and how the team will fare in the coming seasons. The departure of Keatts marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door to new possibilities and potential successes for the Wolfpack.