Report: LSU to hire Murray State’s Matt McMahon as next head basketball coach

LSU has reportedly found its replacement for Will Wade. CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported on Monday that the school will hire Murray State’s Matt McMahon to be its next head basketball coach in Baton Rouge, LA.

The move comes just 10 days after the school fired previous head coach Will Wade for cause after receiving a notice of allegations from the NCAA. The NOA stemmed from an investigation into reported recruiting violations committed by Wade, one that could result in strong penalties against the program moving forward.

As for McMahon, he arrives to Baton Rouge after a successful stint at Murray State where he elevated the program to the status of a mid-major power. During his seven-year tenure in Murray, KY, he posted a 154-67 record where he led the team to three Ohio Valley Conference regular season titles, three league tournament titles, and three appearances in the NCAA Tournament. His most notable feat was recruiting and developing future No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick Ja Morant, who elevated himself into the national spotlight during Murray State’s run to the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

McMahon was also being pursued after by South Carolina during the coaching cycle. He’ll take over an SEC program that did experience success under Wade, but will have to navigate whatever punishment the NCAA doles out in the coming years.