The Wolfpack fired Dave Doeren on Saturday, and the former NC State and NFL quarterback is reportedly expected to be in the mix for the job.
NC State fired Dave Doeren on Saturday, and the early name generating buzz for his replacement is Philip Rivers, the program's old star quarterback. Rivers currently works as a high school head coach in Alabama, but reports indicate he is expected to be part of the Wolfpack's coaching search alongside the usual mix of coordinators and current head coaches.
Rivers played college football at NC State before a long NFL career that included 470 sacks taken along the way. He also has a personal tie to the program now: his son Gunner Rivers is a highly regarded quarterback recruit committed to play for the Wolfpack in the Class of 2027.
It would be an unconventional hire, jumping from high school sidelines straight to a Power Four program, but supporters argue Rivers could energize NC State's fanbase and donors and help boost NIL fundraising. He is not a stranger to high-profile interviews either, having spoken with the Buffalo Bills about their head-coaching vacancy back in January.
NC State's search is expected to also include more traditional candidates as the school looks to move on from the Doeren era.