LSU Tigers head coach Will Wade has made his initial coaching staff addition since returning to Baton Rouge, as the program reportedly secured an agreement with Rick Stansbury, former head coach of Mississippi State, on Friday.
Stansbury will assume the role of associate head coach for the LSU Tigers. He joins the team recognized as the most successful coach in Mississippi State’s history, having compiled a record of 293-166 (.638) over 14 seasons from 1998 to 2012.
This experienced coach’s 293 career victories with the Bulldogs also position him ninth all-time in the history of SEC men’s basketball.
LSU is preparing for a crucial offseason under Wade, during which he will both construct his assistant coaching staff and acquire new talent from the transfer portal to rebuild the team roster.
“Make no mistake, this is home,” Wade stated. “I wasn’t born in Louisiana, but Louisiana’s home for me, and me and my family, and so, you know, we’re coming back to make history. We’re gonna make history one way or the other … to try to hang a banner, win a national championship. Or I’m going to be the first coach fired from the same school twice. But one way or another, one way or another, we’re going to make history.”
Wade believes that LSU “represents something more significant” than himself.
“LSU represents something bigger — it’s about competing at the highest level in the best conference in the country, in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in college basketball. The resources, the commitment, and the alignment at LSU makes it a place where we can build something special and sustainable,” Wade noted in a statement.
“I’m incredibly excited about the challenge ahead — about developing young men, competing for championships, and representing the state of Louisiana with pride. There’s a standard at LSU, and I’m energized to embrace it fully. I can’t wait to get home and get to work.”
Now, all focus is on the upcoming offseason in Baton Rouge as the coaching staff begins to take shape during this critical period for Wade and his team, following his official introduction on Monday afternoon.
