NC State Parts Ways with Head Coach Kevin Keatts After Eight Seasons
Kevin Keatts' tenure as the head coach of NC State men's basketball has officially come to an end. The university announced on Sunday that it was parting ways with Keatts, marking the conclusion of an eight-year run that featured both highs and lows.
The decision comes just a year after Keatts led the Wolfpack to a historic Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship and an unexpected Final Four appearance. However, the team's struggles in the 2024-25 season, culminating in a disappointing 12-19 record, prompted the university to make a change.
North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Atlanta, March 1, 2025. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Athletic Director's Statement
NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan released a statement acknowledging Keatts' contributions and the impact he had on the program during his tenure.
"I want to thank Coach Keatts for his contributions to NC State and for always representing the university with class," Corrigan said. "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."
North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts gestures during the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets game, March 1, 2025. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Keatts Reflects on His Tenure
Keatts also addressed his departure in a heartfelt social media post, calling his time at NC State "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 wrote.
Keatts leaves NC State with an overall record of 151-113, including a 69-84 mark in ACC play. Under his leadership, the Wolfpack earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, with the 2023-24 squad making an improbable run through the ACC Tournament and ultimately reaching the Final Four for the first time since 1983.
North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Feb. 19, 2025. (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
A Season of Struggles
Despite the success of the previous year, Keatts and the Wolfpack were unable to maintain momentum in the 2024-25 season. The team struggled mightily in conference play, finishing with a 5-15 record in the ACC. A significant roster overhaul via the transfer portal did not produce the desired results, leading to a steep decline in performance.
Challenges Throughout His Tenure
Keatts faced several challenges during his time in Raleigh, including the aftermath of an NCAA investigation into the program under former coach Mark Gottfried. The investigation, which resulted in a one-year probation period for the Wolfpack in 2021, cast a shadow over the early years of Keatts' tenure.
Despite these hurdles, Keatts had notable achievements, including a 21-win debut season in 2017-18, highlighted by upset victories over top-ranked teams such as Duke, North Carolina, and Arizona. However, sustained success proved elusive, and the program was unable to consistently compete at the top of the ACC.
Looking Ahead
With Keatts now out, NC State will begin its search for a new head coach to lead the program into the future. Speculation has already begun regarding potential candidates, with names such as VCU’s Ryan Odom and McNeese’s Will Wade being floated as possibilities.
As the Wolfpack transitions to a new era, the hope is that fresh leadership will bring renewed energy and consistent success to a program with a rich basketball tradition.