NC State Fires Mark Gottfried

I thought the writing was on the wall after UNC beat NC State by a whopping 51 points, but an improbable win against Duke at Cameron Indoor prolonged the inevitable.

After returning 3 of 5 starters and replacing Cat Barber with future lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr, NC State entered the season expected to finish 6th in the loaded ACC.  But after a 14-13 record and suffering their 6th straight conference loss, the Wolfpack have announced they will part ways with head coach Mark Gottfried.

“Mark and I met today to discuss the future direction of our program,” NC State Athletic Director Debbie Yow said in a statement. “While it has long been my practice to evaluate the body of work at season’s end, in reviewing the overall direction of our program, we believe a change in leadership is necessary moving forward. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and staff over the final weeks of our season.”

Gottfried will finish the season as head coach.

“It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of NC State, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my time here,” said Gottfried. “NC State is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity to finish the remainder of the season.”