Retired NFL quarterback Russell Wilson has interviewed for the head-coaching vacancy at NC State, The Daily Mail has confirmed. The 37-year-old Wilson joins another former Wolfpack quarterback, Philip Rivers, in the running for the job.
Wilson played three seasons at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin for his final college season. He was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, with whom he won a Super Bowl and earned Walter Payton Man of the Year honors.
After retiring as a free agent in June, Wilson accepted a studio analyst position on CBS Sports' NFL Today. Unlike Rivers, who is in his sixth season coaching at Alabama's St. Michael Catholic High School, Wilson has no experience as a head coach.
NC State fired Dave Doeren as head coach on October 24. The Wolfpack secured a .500 record with a victory over Cal under interim coach Todd Goebbel last week. Quarterback C.J. Bailey expressed pride in the team's performance following a week of significant change.
Rivers informed NC State that he wishes to complete his current high school team's season in Alabama before potentially joining the Wolfpack, where he played from 2000 to 2003.
In addition to on-field challenges, NC State has also dealt with the recent death of former coach Chuck Amato and allegations of sexual misconduct against a former athletic department doctor. Robert Murphy Jr., 54, faces 32 charges related to 14 former athletes, which he denies. The school has stated it will cooperate with law enforcement.
The Wolfpack (4-4) are scheduled to host rival Duke on Saturday.