The Dave Doeren era at NC State is officially over, folks. Athletic director Boo Corrigan announced on Saturday that the school is parting ways with Doeren, a move that definitely sends shockwaves through the program. Corrigan kept it classy, saying he wanted to “thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride.” He appreciated Doeren’s “leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role,” wishing him and his family the best. Still, a parting of ways is a parting of ways, and now the Wolfpack is looking for a new leader.
The Wolfpack’s Wobbly Start and Doeren’s Tenure
Let’s be real: this decision probably wasn’t a surprise to anyone who’s been watching. NC State had slipped to a 3-4 record after a rough 31-28 loss to Stanford just this past Saturday. That loss was part of a super disappointing start to the season, which also included losses to Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. Doeren took the reins back in 2013 and compiled a 98-73 record, which, hey, isn’t terrible on paper. Under him, the Wolfpack saw 10 winning seasons and made 10 bowl appearances. But here’s the kicker: NC State never, ever hit that crucial 10-win mark with Doeren at the helm. That’s a ceiling that a lot of fans were probably hoping to break through, and now the program is ready to try and find someone who can take them there.
Who’s Stepping Up to Lead the Wolfpack?
So, with Doeren out, who’s in line to take over? There’s a list of names floating around, and some of these guys are definitely making some noise.
First up, **Charles Huff**, the Memphis coach. This guy is 43, and he’s been on a solid path since his time as an assistant for Nick Saban at Alabama from 2019-20. He put together a 32-20 record in four seasons with Marshall, then followed that up with a 7-5 record in a single year with Southern Miss. Now, he’s got Memphis off to a hot 6-2 start in the American Conference. Huff has led his teams to five straight bowl appearances, and frankly, he’s going to be one of the most sought-after Group of 6 coaches this cycle. NC State could do a lot worse than a guy with that kind of resume and upward trajectory.
Then there’s **Shannon Dawson**, the Miami offensive coordinator. At 49, Dawson’s stock is absolutely soaring thanks to the prolific quarterback play he’s coached up. We’re talking Cam Ward, Carson Beck, and Darian Mensah, all balling out over the last three seasons. He might not have head coaching experience, but his extensive background as an assistant could be huge for NC State, especially when you consider how much the quarterback position has been lacking with CJ Bailey this season.
**Dowell Loggains**, Appalachian State’s coach, is another strong contender. The 46-year-old is getting a serious bump because of the resurgent Mountaineers this season. Loggains was an NFL assistant for a long time, from 2008-20, before his stints as an offensive coach with Arkansas and South Carolina, where he was the offensive coordinator for two seasons. He’s got Appalachian State sitting pretty at 5-2 this season, even pulling off an upset of James Madison in Week 8. This hire wouldn’t be a surprise at all, he just seems like a natural fit.
**Billy Napier**, the James Madison coach, is also in the mix. The 47-year-old has rebooted his career at James Madison, and the big question is whether a move back to the Power 4 is in the cards after just one year. He’s got a 69-35 record across his time with Louisiana, Florida, and James Madison, and he even has ACC experience as an assistant coach at Clemson from 2006-10. It might not be the most “exciting” hire, but Napier definitely has the resume to be a serious contender.
Finally, keep an eye on **Glenn Schumann**, Georgia’s defensive coordinator. This 36-year-old is going to be named frequently for Power 4 openings this offseason. The big question for him is if a first head coaching job in the ACC makes sense. He’s been an assistant, and a highly successful one at that, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s ready to jump into the top job.
The coaching carousel is spinning, and NC State’s got some big decisions ahead. This new hire is going to shape the program for years to come, and fans are definitely going to be watching closely to see who gets the nod.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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