NC State is finalizing a deal to hire former NFL quarterback and Wolfpack legend Philip Rivers as the program's next head coach, according to reports. Rivers would replace Dave Doeren, who was fired after a Week 8 loss to Stanford left his career record at NC State at 98-73.
The move marks Rivers' first college coaching position. Since 2021, he has served as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. NC State is betting on Rivers' star power and deep ties to the program to energize the donor base and attract roster upgrades in the NIL era.
Playing career at NC State
Rivers was a four-year starter for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003 under late coach Chuck Amato. He completed 63.6% of his passes for 13,484 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. The 2002 season remains the high point in program history, with an 11-3 record and a Gator Bowl victory — the only 10-win season in NC State history.
Under Doeren, the Wolfpack reached nine wins five times but never broke the 10-win barrier. Recent seasons saw a decline in fan enthusiasm, a concern in the current landscape where donor engagement drives roster construction.
Immediate challenges and family ties
Rivers will not bring an existing roster familiar with his system, making quick portal acquisitions essential. His son, four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers, remains committed to NC State and has run his father's offense for four years at the high school level.
The hire draws comparisons to Deion Sanders' impact at Colorado and Trent Dilfer's transition from NFL quarterback to college coach. Whether Rivers can sustain success beyond his son's tenure remains an open question, but the move guarantees heightened attention on the Wolfpack program as the 24-team College Football Playoff era begins.
