Former NC State captain Justin Gainey will return to Raleigh as the new head coach of the NC State men’s basketball program.
Gainey, who has signed a five-year agreement, will be formally introduced as the 22nd head coach in program history on Wednesday.
“I am honored to announce Justin Gainey as our new head coach for the NC State men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. “Not only are we welcoming back one of our own, but we are welcoming a tough, tenacious and experienced coach who I am confident is the right fit for our program and will continue to position the Pack for success on the national stage. Justin understands what this program means because he has lived and breathed it and I am very excited that he is our basketball coach.”
“I’m humbled and honored to be the head coach of the NC State men’s basketball program,” said Gainey. “This university helped build me as a player and as a person. To now lead it as head coach is truly a full-circle moment. There’s a responsibility that comes with leading your alma mater, and I embrace it fully. We’re going to honor our tradition, represent this university the right way, and build a program our Wolfpack family can be proud of. This place means everything to me. I wore the jersey with pride, and now I’ll lead this program with that same passion, toughness and commitment to winning that defines the Wolfpack.”
“Today is a great day for NC State and our men’s basketball program,” said Chancellor Kevin Howell. “I could not be more proud that Justin Gainey is our new NC State head men’s basketball coach. The Wolfpack is bringing home one of our own.”
“As chancellor, an alum, and a devoted fan, I’m proud of NC State’s legacy in men’s basketball and am even more excited about our future. Our goals are to win championships, put a strong and competitive team on the court, and help our student-athletes become better players, students and people. Coach Gainey’s values reflect who we are at NC State and it’s what equips him to lead our program with integrity, humility and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Originally from High Point, Gainey was a four-year letterman (1996–2000) for the NC State men’s basketball team under head coach Herb Sendek and served as team captain during his senior season in 1999-2000, the first year the Wolfpack played in what is now the Lenovo Center.
Gainey appeared in 128 games during his NC State career, making 103 starts. His 344 career assists ranks among the program’s top 10 when he graduated and currently stands 15th in school history.
Gainey brings 20 years of Division I coaching experience to his new role, including 14 years at the power conference level.
He has spent the last five seasons at the University of Tennessee, including the last four as Associate Head Coach under Rick Barnes.
Gainey helped the Volunteers log a 134-48 (.736) record and reach the NCAA Tournament each season that he was on staff. During his tenure, Tennessee totaled four Sweet 16 berths and three Elite Eight appearances, as well as a pair of SEC titles (2022 tournament, 2024 regular season).
Gainey’s Coaching Timeline
2006-08: NC State, Administrative Coordinator
2008-09: NC State, Director of Operations
2009-10: Elon, Assistant Coach
2010-14: Appalachian State, Assistant Coach
2014-17: Marquette, Director of Operations
2018-20: Arizona, Assistant Coach
2020-21: Marquette, Associate Head Coach
2021-22: Tennessee, Assistant Coach
2022-pres: Tennessee, Associate Head Coach