NC State fires head coach Kevin Keatts after eight seasons

One year after making the Final Four, NC State has fired men’s basketball head coach Kevin Keatts, the program announced on Sunday. The press release states that Keatts “has been relieved of his duties effective immediately.”

The Wolfpack finished the season 12-19 overall, and 5-15 in ACC play. They finished the season losing three of their last four games.

“I want to thank Coach Keatts for his contributions to NC State and for always representing the university with class,” NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said in the release.  “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.” 

Keatts finishes his time in Raleigh with a record of 151-113, including a 69-84 record against conference opponents. He made three NCAA Tournament during his time as head coach. He released a statement following the Wolfpack’s announcement.

“The last eight years have been a dream come true, and I will always cherish my time being a part of the Raleigh community. I want to thank Debbie Yow for giving me this tremendous opportunity to lead the Wolfpack back to the top of the ACC,” his statement reads. “Her leadership and vision brought so many great coaches to NC State.

“I am extremely proud of what we accomplished during my time here. … 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. Finally, thank you to all the players, assistant coaches, managers, staff and supporters that joined my family and I on this journey.”

Keatts finished it off with a tongue in cheek comment. “I am officially entering the portal.” The Wolfpack will begin its search for a new head coach immediately.

NC State’s record against ACC competition did not qualify the Wolfpack to make the ACC Tournament this season. Following the additions of Cal and SMU to the conference this season, the tournament has been modified to qualify the top 15 teams in the conference standings. This leaves the bottom three teams left out of the field, and NC State finished one game back from the Golden Bears for that final spot.