The search for NC State's next head coach is underway, and one name is already generating buzz: Philip Rivers. After the Wolfpack parted ways with Dave Doeren on Saturday, reports have quickly surfaced that the legendary quarterback could be heading back to his alma mater.
Rivers, who retired from the NFL after the 2020 season, has found success coaching at the high school level in Alabama. He briefly returned to the sidelines with the Indianapolis Colts last year, but his coaching roots are firmly planted in the prep ranks. Now, according to CBS Sports' John Talty, Rivers is a name that has been circulating among ACC sources since Doeren's dismissal.
“One early name that has come up with industry sources: Former NC State great Philip Rivers,” Talty said. “The successful Alabama HS coach interviewed for the Buffalo Bills HC job in January and has a son committed to the Wolfpack.”
Rivers' connection to NC State runs deep. He was a standout for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003, finishing in the top 10 of Heisman voting in his senior year before being selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. His 18-year NFL career, mostly with the Chargers, included eight Pro Bowl selections and cemented his status as a fan favorite.
The prospect of Rivers taking over in Raleigh is one that could energize the Wolfpack faithful. His name carries immense weight, and his recent coaching experience, albeit at the high school level, shows a commitment to the craft. The fact that his son Gunner is committed to NC State adds another layer of intrigue.
However, Rivers is not without competition. The coaching carousel is always unpredictable, and athletic directors often cast a wide net. But the early buzz suggests that Rivers would be a popular choice among fans and alumni. His familiarity with the program and his pedigree as a player make him an attractive option.
Doeren's departure leaves a significant void. He was owed $10.3 million with three years remaining on his contract. Running backs coach Todd Goebbel will serve as interim coach while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
The Wolfpack's next hire will face the challenge of maintaining the program's competitiveness in the ACC. The landscape of college football is shifting, with coaching changes across the country and new challenges on the horizon. Rivers, if hired, would bring a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of what it means to be a Wolfpack.
For now, the speculation is just that, but the early signals are clear: Philip Rivers is a name to watch in the coming weeks. Whether he ultimately gets the job remains to be seen, but his candidacy has already captured the imagination of Wolfpack Nation.
