The Dave Doeren era in Raleigh is officially over. After a 3-4 start to the 2024 season and back-to-back defeats against Wake Forest and Stanford, NC State has parted ways with its long-tenured head coach. The decision was announced Saturday afternoon, just hours after the Wolfpack's disappointing 35-24 loss to the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
Doeren, 54, spent 14 seasons at the helm of the Wolfpack, compiling a 98-74 record. He led the program to nine wins on four separate occasions but never reached double-digit victories in a season. His bowl record stood at 4-6 during his tenure. Prior to his dismissal, Doeren was the fourth-longest-tenured coach in the FBS, a testament to his staying power in a volatile profession.
NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan expressed gratitude for Doeren's contributions in a statement released Saturday. "I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride," Corrigan said. "I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and his family the best in the future."
The Wolfpack's loss to Stanford on Friday night proved to be the final straw. NC State fell behind by two touchdowns early and never held a lead at any point in the game. The defeat followed a 34-30 loss to Wake Forest the previous week, which had already put Doeren's job in jeopardy. The team's only wins came against Western Carolina, Louisiana Tech, and Louisville, the latter a 34-30 victory on Oct. 3 that briefly seemed to steady the ship.
Speaking to reporters after Friday's loss, Doeren shouldered the blame for his team's struggles. "It starts with me. The guys didn't play well enough, which means I didn't have them ready," Doeren admitted. "But it wasn't good enough. Not even close." His candid assessment came as the Wolfpack's season spiraled, with a once-promising campaign now reduced to a search for answers.
Running backs coach Todd Goebbel has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Goebbel, who has been on staff since 2022, will lead the team while the school conducts a nationwide search for Doeren's permanent replacement. The timing of the firing, with five games remaining, suggests the administration wants to get a head start on finding the right fit.
The departure of Doeren marks the end of an era that began in 2013, when he arrived from Northern Illinois. He was known for his fiery sideline demeanor and his ability to develop quarterbacks, but ultimately the lack of a breakthrough season—and the recent slide—sealed his fate. The Wolfpack faithful, who have endured their share of ups and downs, now look to the future with cautious optimism.
As the search begins, speculation will inevitably swirl around potential candidates. The program's next hire will be tasked with elevating NC State to the upper echelon of the ACC, a challenge that has proven difficult in a conference dominated by Clemson and Florida State in recent years. The Wolfpack's facilities and fan support are strong, but the on-field results have often fallen short of expectations.
For now, the focus shifts to Goebbel and the players, who must regroup for a challenging stretch ahead. The interim coach inherits a team that has shown flashes of potential but has been plagued by inconsistency. Whether Goebbel can spark a turnaround remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: change has come to Raleigh.
Doeren's legacy at NC State will be a mixed one. He brought stability and respectability to the program, but the absence of a signature season—one with 10 or more wins—will linger. As the Wolfpack turn the page, they do so with a renewed sense of urgency and a determination to reach new heights.
