The former NFL quarterback returns to his alma mater, where he once led the Wolfpack to its only double-digit win season, despite having no prior coaching experience.
NC State has its new head coach, and he is a familiar face. Philip Rivers, who played quarterback for the Wolfpack from 1999 through 2003, has formally accepted the school's head coaching job.
Rivers starred at NC State before a long NFL career, and in 2002 he quarterbacked the program to the only double-digit win season in its history. That history is clearly part of the appeal for a program hoping a beloved alumnus can turn things around.
Not everyone is convinced it will work. Reaction to the move has included plenty of skepticism, with critics pointing out that Rivers arrives with zero experience coaching at any level, let alone running a major college program.
NC State is betting that Rivers' name recognition, his ties to the fan base and his standing as one of the most accomplished players in program history outweigh the risk of handing the job to a first-time coach. Rivers is set to take over for the 2027 season, giving the Wolfpack time to build out his staff before he officially steps onto the sideline.