Philip Rivers set to return to NC State as head coach

Philip Rivers has agreed to become NC State’s head football coach, returning to the school where he played quarterback from 2000 to 2003. The hire follows Dave Doeren’s dismissal after a 3-4 start to the 2026 season; Doeren led the Wolfpack for more than 13 years but never reached 10 wins or the ACC Championship Game. Rivers has no college or professional coaching experience and has coached at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama for six seasons. NC State’s board of trustees is expected to approve his contract, and Rivers will have the chance to coach his son, four-star 2027 quarterback recruit Gunner Rivers, who is committed to the Wolfpack. Rivers was chosen over candidates including former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.