Six days ago, former NFL gunslinger Philip Rivers was just a name “expected to be in the mix” for the suddenly vacant head-coaching gig at NC State. Fast forward to today, and boy, things have escalated. Rivers has now “emerged as the focus” of the Wolfpack’s coaching search, according to a report from On3.com.
The Unexpected Frontrunner
This is a wild turn of events for a guy who’s been calling plays at the high school level in Alabama since 2021. Yeah, you read that right. Philip Rivers, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the guy who lit up scoreboards for the Chargers for sixteen seasons, is coaching prep football. And now, his alma mater, NC State, has put him front and center in their quest to replace Dave Doeren, who got the axe last Saturday. There’s no set timetable for the hire, which makes sense given Rivers’ current commitment to his high school squad. But the Wolfpack clearly sees something special in their former quarterback.
A Deep Wolfpack Connection
It’s not just Rivers’ playing pedigree that makes him such a compelling target for NC State. His roots run deep in Raleigh. He played for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003, becoming a legend in his own right before his storied NFL career. And get this: his son, Gunner, is committed to NC State as part of the class of 2027. Talk about a family affair! That kind of generational connection could be huge for a program looking for a spark. Rivers has even dipped his toes in the coaching interview circuit before, having interviewed for the Bills’ head-coaching vacancy earlier this year. The man clearly still has an itch for the big-time.
So, what’s next for NC State? They’ve identified their guy, a beloved alum who brings NFL experience and a fiery personality. The waiting game begins as they try to pry him away from the high school ranks. Wolfpack fans have to be buzzing at the thought of Rivers patrolling the sidelines, a true son of NC State leading the charge. This coaching search just got a whole lot more interesting, and everyone will be watching to see if they can seal the deal with their top target.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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