Justin Gainey, Tennessee’s associate head coach, is now on the radar of high-major programs thanks to his work under Rick Barnes. There were reports that after Georgia Tech fired Damon Staudamire, they would give Gainey a look, but they ultimately landed on Troy's Scott Cross.
Tennessee star Ja'Kobi Gillespie joins NCAA tournament legends with his spectacular performances
Things may have just gotten very interesting when it comes to Justin Gainey and his next head coaching opportunity. In an unsurprising turn, Will Wade left NC State at the altar and is now heading back to be the head man at LSU. Given this, the NC State job is open, and Gainey was their point guard from 1996 to 2000, where he averaged 6.9 points and 2.7 assists during his career. He also started his coaching career at NC State, where he served as an administrative coordinator for the Wolfpack in 2006. This would be a full-circle moment for Gainey.
BREAKING: NC State head basketball coach Will Wade is expected to leave for LSU, @PeteNakos and @JoeTipton report.https://t.co/O4gE7hAVpe pic.twitter.com/bEwR5FMzk4
— On3 (@On3) March 26, 2026
Justin Gainey deserves his shot
As much as it would hurt to lose a top assistant like Gainey, he has earned his chance to take over his own program and see what he can do. He has a long list of NBA draft picks, including stars like Dalton Knecht, Chaz Lainer, Jahmai Mashack, and Jullian Phillips. These are all just picks in the last few years, as he has plenty more he is responsible for.
On top of that, Justin Gainey runs the defense for Tennessee and has done an excellent job making sure the Vols are locked in on that end of the floor. Tennessee has perennially been a top-five defensive team, and Gainey plays a huge role in this. To put it in perspective, Tennesse's defense has 'taken a step back' this year, and they're No. 12 in the nation. That's the standard that Gainey has set in Knoxville.
Add it all up, and what you get is a complete coach, someone who can design winning schemes and mold players into high-level athletes ready for the NBA. I'd hate to see Gainey go, but he should take the next step and become a head coach if he's offered. He deserves it.