It was always going to be Philip Rivers.
What has seemed inevitable since NC State fired Dave Doeren on Oct. 24 is now coming to fruition.
Multiple outlets on Sunday, Nov.8 are reporting that Philip Rivers, the legendary former NC State quarterback and long-time NFL great, is coming home to be the program’s 37th head football coach.
On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low and The Wolfpacker’s Noah Fleischman reported an agreement is being finalized. PackPower/247Sports also has affirmed the NC State is set to make the move that has anticipated since the job came open.
Rivers, 44, would replace Doeren, who was dismissed during his 14th season leading the Wolfpack. The hiring would mark Rivers’ first college coaching job after six seasons at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, AL.
St. Michael’s football season ended this past Friday, increasing speculation that a Rivers’ announcement would be imminent.
While national and local media floated a number of potential candidates for the NC State opening, Rivers was the only name Wolfpack fans seemed to latch onto with any gusto. And there was a lot of gusto.
NC State has not made an official announcement yet. The school’s Board of Trustees is set to hold its next regular meeting on Nov. 12, though it could always hold a special session earlier to approve the hiring.
Follow NC Football News as we continue to report on this unfolding story that will impact the next chapter of NC State football.
How NC State’s coaching search led to Philip Rivers
Oct. 24 – Dave Doeren is fired. NC State dismisses Doeren one day after a 31-28 loss at Stanford. The decision ends his 14-season tenure and immediately launches speculation about his successor. Rivers, the former Wolfpack quarterback and longtime NFL star, quickly emerges as a leading candidate.
Oct. 25–28 – Momentum builds around Rivers. National reporters identify Rivers as a serious contender. NC State announces that athletic director Boo Corrigan will lead the search with assistance from former Wolfpack standouts like Bill Cowher, the Super Bowl-winning former Pittsburgh Steelers coach, and Dewayne Washington.
Late October – Gunner Rivers remains committed. Gunner Rivers, Philip’s son and a highly regarded quarterback prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, reaffirms his commitment to NC State despite Doeren’s dismissal. “I’m staying 100% locked in with the PACK! Excited to get to work here in a couple months,” Gunner told 247Sports in a text.
Nov. 3 – Another former Wolfpack quarterback enters the picture. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Russell Wilson, who played at NC State from 2008-10 before winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, interviewed for the coaching vacancy.
Nov. 4 – NC State officials meet with Rivers. Corrigan and other university representatives travel to Fairhope, AL, to meet with Rivers. The former quarterback later confirms the meeting, although he stops short of discussing any potential agreement. Reports also indicate that Rivers wants to finish St. Michael Catholic’s high school football season before making a move.
Nov. 6 – St. Michael’s football season ends. Rivers coaches St. Michael in a 42-35 loss to Glenwood in the opening round of the Alabama state playoffs. Reporters, including WRAL representatives from Raleigh, attend the game. Afterward, Rivers acknowledges his discussions with NC State and leaves open the possibility that his six-year tenure at St. Michael has come to an end.
Nov. 8 – Rivers reportedly set to return to Raleigh. One day after NC State’s 41-3 loss to Duke, On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low and The Wolfpacker’s Noah Fleischman report that NC State is finalizing a deal to make Rivers its 37th head football coach. Other outlets confirm the expected hiring, although the university has not yet made an official announcement.
