Vanderbilt Basketball: 12 candidates to replace Jerry Stackhouse as Head Coach

Will Wade

Without mincing words too much, we’re pretty sure that Wade will get another power conference head coaching gig at some point. Vanderbilt will certainly be interested in someone who had success as an SEC head coach, while also doing their due diligence. Wade’s career was certainly damaged by those recruiting violations at LSU, but he’s bounced back nicely this year.

Wade’s first taste of success came as an assistant on the VCU squad that advanced to the Final Four back in 2011. Two years later he got his head coaching career started with two-year stints at Chattanooga and VCU. LSU hired him in 2017 and he had a pretty solid five years, with a few trips to the Big Dance before being fired. Now, Wade has bounced back in a major way, leading McNeese to a 30-3 mark and Southland Tournament title in his first year back in coaching after his firing.

In all reality, the situation with Wade at LSU wasn’t great but there’s not much stopping him from jumping back onto the major scene. Vanderbilt could be a great landing spot especially since Wade has already shown he can win and recruit well in this league. His quick work at McNeese shows he hasn’t lost his touch, building a monster in the Southland; it all boils down to if Wade wants Nashville as the next stop on his resume.

Thus concludes a long look at several candidates for Vanderbilt’s head coaching job. Who among this list will be seriously considered by the Commodores? Who would be the best fit for an SEC gig with plenty of potential in the future?