Full Breakdown
NC State Basketball Finalizes Coaching Staff Under Justin Gainey
4/10/2026, 4:20:43 AM
Key Coaching Hires
NC State men's basketball is in the process of finalizing a deal to hire Matthew Driscoll as an assistant coach under head coach Justin Gainey. Driscoll, who previously served as the associate head coach at Kansas State and as the head coach at North Florida for 16 seasons, is expected to bring significant Division I coaching experience to the Wolfpack. During his tenure at North Florida, Driscoll led the team to three regular-season ASUN Championships and one tournament title. His recent role at Kansas State involved guiding an offense that averaged 79.6 points per game, ranking among the fastest in the nation.
Gainey has emphasized the importance of assembling a diverse coaching staff with a mix of experience and relatability to the players. He stated, “I want to get experience. I want guys around me that have a lot of experience. I also want someone who is young enough to connect with the guys on the team.” This approach reflects Gainey's intention to create a supportive and effective coaching environment.
Additional Staff Appointments
In addition to Driscoll, Gainey has already secured several other key staff members. Anthony Goins, formerly of the University of Georgia, has been appointed as the offensive coordinator. Goins has a diverse coaching background, having worked at institutions such as Dartmouth, Yale, and Clemson. His offensive strategies at Georgia were noted for their efficiency, ranking 16th in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom.
Riley Collins, who served as the assistant director of player development at Tennessee, is also joining the staff, although his specific role has yet to be clarified. Furthermore, Patrick Stacy, the assistant general manager, is expected to be retained to assist in the coaching search and player recruitment efforts.
Criticism & Opposition
While the new hires have been generally well-received, there are concerns among some fans regarding the rapid turnover in coaching staff and the potential impact on team cohesion. Critics argue that frequent changes can disrupt player development and team dynamics, especially with several players entering the transfer portal.
Official Statements & Responses
Justin Gainey has expressed his commitment to building a competitive team, stating, “I want to have a variety of characteristics and guys that come from different backgrounds.” This sentiment underscores his strategy to create a well-rounded coaching staff that can effectively engage with players.
What's Next
As NC State continues to finalize its coaching staff, the focus will shift to player recruitment and preparation for the upcoming season. The official announcements regarding the coaching staff are anticipated soon, as Gainey aims to establish a strong foundation for his inaugural season as head coach.
