New NC State head coach Justin Gainey sends heartfelt message to the Tennessee Vols and the UT fan base
Former Tennessee Vols assistant coach Justin Gainey was recently hired to replace Will Wade as the head coach at NC State. Gainey played college basketball at NC State in the late 1990s.
Earlier this month, former Tennessee Vols assistant coach Justin Gainey was hired to replace Will Wade as the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack.
Gainey, who served as an assistant at Tennessee from 2021 to 2026, was a guard at NC State from 1996 to 2000.
Vols head coach Rick Barnes endorsed Gainey for the NC State job shortly before the hire was made.
“I hope he gets the job,” said Barnes. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey. He’s a North Carolina native. He went to NC State, played four years there, started four years. Helped win an ACC tournament. He has just incredible pride in his university. A terrific basketball coach.
“Justin has an incredible feel for the game — really understands players. He works at it. Terrific recruiter. Understands the NIL era today. If NC State knew what I knew, they would be begging him to be their next head coach — because he’s ready not just for NC State, he’s ready to be the head coach of the University of Tennessee or any school in the country. He’s that good. I’ve been with him through a lot of these games, and he recruited Nate (Ament), he was the lead recruiter on him. And just phenomenal job.”
Justin Gainey sends heartfelt message to Tennessee and the Vols fan base
Gainey took to Instagram on Monday to send a message to Tennessee and the Vols fan base.
“It’s hard to put into words what the University of Tennessee has meant to me and my family,” wrote Gainey. “This place, these people, and this program have had a lasting impact on my life—both professionally and personally. I want to thank our players—past and present—for the trust, commitment, and heart you brought every single day. It’s been an honor to coach you, to grow with you, and to compete alongside you. The relationships built here are what I’ll cherish the most.
To my colleagues, staff, and the entire Tennessee athletics family—thank you for your support, professionalism, and belief. And to Vol Nation, your passion is second to none. You made Thompson-Boling Arena one of the toughest environments in the country, and I’m grateful to have experienced it with you. I want to give a special thank you to Coach Rick Barnes. Coach Barnes has been an incredible mentor, leader, and example of what it means to do this job the right way. I’m grateful for his guidance, his trust, and the opportunity he gave me to be a part of something special here at Tennessee. I’ve learned so much from him that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the program at NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball,” continued Gainey. “I look forward to this next chapter, but I will always carry a deep appreciation and respect for Tennessee. Thank you for everything. Go Vols, always.”
It’s clear that Gainey has a deep appreciation for his time on Rocky Top.
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