NC State is finalizing a deal to hire former NFL quarterback and Wolfpack legend Philip Rivers as its next head football coach, according to 247Sports. Rivers would replace Dave Doeren, who was fired after a Week 8 loss to Stanford left his career record at 98-73.
The hiring represents a gamble on star power rather than an experienced head coach or rising coordinator. Rivers has no college coaching experience but has coached high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama since 2021. NC State hopes his enthusiasm and connections can rally boosters and secure investment to upgrade the roster in the NIL era.
Rivers was a four-year starter at NC State from 2000 to 2003, completing 63.6% of his passes for 13,484 yards, 95 touchdowns and 34 interceptions under late coach Chuck Amato. The 2002 season, an 11-3 campaign with a Gator Bowl win, remains the only 10-win season in program history. Under Doeren, the Wolfpack won nine games five times but never broke the 10-win barrier.
Rivers' son, four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers, remains committed to NC State and has run his father's offense at the high school level. The hire draws comparisons to Deion Sanders and Trent Dilfer, former NFL quarterbacks who transitioned to coaching with mixed results. The move will attract significant attention as NC State seeks to elevate its program in the expanded College Football Playoff era.
