Philip Rivers Targeted for NC State Head Coaching Job
The former NFL quarterback and Hall of Fame candidate is reportedly the focus of the Wolfpack's coaching search.
Philip Rivers, the veteran NFL quarterback, has emerged as the primary candidate for the head football coaching position at North Carolina State University. This development follows the recent dismissal of Dave Doeren, who held the position for 14 seasons.
On3 reported Friday night that Rivers is the focus of the Wolfpack's coaching search. Rivers has significant ties to the NC State program, having played there for four years and with his son, Gunner, a four-star quarterback prospect, committed to join the Wolfpack in 2027.
NC State parted ways with Doeren on Saturday after a 31-28 loss to Stanford, which brought the team's overall record to 3-4 and ACC record to 1-3. Doeren concluded his tenure as the winningest coach in program history with a record of 98-74.
Rivers, 44, is currently a coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he has compiled a 48-19 record over six seasons. He has led the team to consecutive state semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Addressing speculation about the opening earlier this week, Rivers acknowledged the chatter but stated his immediate focus was on his current team's playoff preparations. "I understand the chatter that’s out there, but we are getting ready for Foley and the playoffs," Rivers told AL.com.
Rivers is a notable figure in NC State football history. From 2000 to 2003, he set school records for passing yards (13,484) and touchdowns (95), finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in his final collegiate season. He was selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.
His professional career spanned 16 seasons with the Chargers and one season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, where he briefly returned in 2025. Rivers concluded his NFL career with 63,984 passing yards and 425 touchdowns, earning eight Pro Bowl selections. He has no prior college coaching experience.
Todd Goebbel, the running backs coach and special teams coordinator, has been named interim coach for NC State. Doeren, in remarks prior to his dismissal, highlighted the need for resources to match expectations within the program and reflected on his tenure, noting academic improvements, consistent stadium attendance, and over 32 active NFL players produced during his time. He also emphasized the program's clean NCAA record and community involvement.