NC State hires UNC Wilmington's Kevin Keatts as next head coach

NC State has hired UNC Wilmington Kevin Keatts as the next head coach of the Wolfpack.

NC State has hired UNC Wilmington Kevin Keatts as the next head coach of the Wolfpack, the university announced.

“I have an incredible respect for the history and tradition of NC State University, and am honored by the opportunity to lead the Wolfpack,” Keatts said in a statement. “There is an unbelievable commitment to basketball in Raleigh, and I share a vision with Debbie Yow and Chancellor Randy Woodson on what NC State can achieve.”

Keatts has three years of head coaching experience at the Division I level. He previously served as an assistant at Louisville from 2011 to 2014. He has earned CAA Coach of the Year honors with UNC Wilmington.

He has a 72–28 record in his three years with the Seahawks, which includes two NCAA tournament berths.

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Keatts replaces Mark Gottfried, who was fired in February when the Wolfpack were 9–27 against ACC opponents in the last two seasons.

UNC Wilmington was eliminated from the NCAA tournament on Thursday after a loss to Virginia.