Will Wade Jokes Lane Kiffin is LSU's 'Most Controversial Coach' Amid Roster Criticism

LSU's decision to bring back Will Wade as the head coach of its men's basketball program was certainly a controversial one considering he was previously fired following allegations he violated NCAA rules. 

But there's another head coach on campus who is stealing some of the headlines when it comes to controversy.

"A lot (has) changed since the first time I was here," Wade told the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, per Christopher Kamrani of The Athletic. "There's two massive changes: the first big change is I'm no longer the most controversial coach on campus. I've been happy to kind of pass that along. The second part is, we were just a little bit ahead of our time with NIL."

It was, of course, a joking reference to football head coach Lane Kiffin.

Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss to take the LSU job ahead of last season's College Football Playoff was a notable one. He did not remain with the Rebels for their CFP run and brought some of the team's assistant coaches with him.

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There was also the prolonged controversy early this season when Kiffin and LSU tried to bring back tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris even after they previously signed with NFL rosters.

They ultimately never played for the Tigers, but it generated plenty of headlines.

Wade's program is also facing some controversy and question marks of its own that goes beyond the head-turning decision to bring him back as the head coach.

As Kamrani explained, many of the team's scholarship players are awaiting updates regarding their eligibility. There are just four players listed on the official roster, as of Wednesday.

"I believe that on Nov. 3, we will roll out there with every player eligible that is within those guidelines, that's within the SEC guidelines," Wade said. "And I believe all the international kids, all the fifth-year kids, will be eligible."

LSU opens its regular season on Nov. 3 against LSU New Orleans.