Philip Rivers, a guy whose name is synonymous with NC State football, is reportedly in some *serious* discussions to take over as the Wolfpack’s next head coach. Yeah, you read that right: Rivers, the former NFL gunslinger, is eyeing a return to his alma mater, and it’s got everyone buzzing, even if he hasn’t coached a single college snap yet.
Doeren’s Exit Opens the Door
NC State made a huge call on October 24, letting go of head coach Dave Doeren after a 3-4 start to his 14th season. Doeren actually leaves as the winningest coach in school history, so that was clearly a tough decision. But now, with the job open, the Wolfpack might be turning to one of their absolute legends. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Pete Thamel broke the news, citing sources saying Rivers has engaged in serious discussions. The catch? A deal isn’t close yet, and the 44-year-old reportedly wants to finish his current high school season first. He hasn’t even met with school officials in person, though there’s been talk about assembling a front office if he takes the gig.
After his St. Michael’s high school team took a 53-32 loss to Foley High School on Friday night, Rivers himself weighed in, telling AL.com, “NC State’s special to me. And you know, Coach Doeren, shoot, what he did over 14 years, and all-time winningest coach, [there’s] a ton of respect and appreciation, you know, for how he went about it with the university. There’s nothing there at this point.” But here’s the kicker, he wasn’t ruling anything out either, adding, “You understand the chatter is out there. Gotta take it one day at a time, you know, is all I know. I’m excited [for] this postseason with these guys here, and I guess it’s like I told you last year, you never say never, but there’s nothing imminent.”
A Wolfpack Icon’s Coaching Grind
This isn’t just some pipe dream. Rivers was an absolute beast in college, shattering nearly every NC State and ACC record between 2000 and 2003. We’re talking 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns! He led the Wolfpack to four straight bowl games, winning three of them. Then he went on to an epic 17-season NFL career, mostly with the Chargers, before hanging up the cleats after the 2020 season. Last year, he even came out of retirement for three games with the Indianapolis Colts when injuries hit Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.
He’s not just an ex-player, though. Rivers is in his sixth season as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, and he’s been pretty successful, leading the Cardinals to the state semifinals in each of the last two seasons. Plus, there’s a family connection: his son, Gunner, committed to NC State back in February, even though he later suffered a season-ending knee injury. This guy’s roots run deep, and he’s even been linked to bigger coaching jobs before, like interviewing for the Buffalo Bills’ head coach position in January.
So, where does this leave us? Rivers wants to finish his high school season, and while he’s talking, nothing is “imminent.” But man, if this deal actually comes together, imagine a legend like Rivers back on the sidelines, leading the Wolfpack. It’s a storyline that could absolutely electrify college football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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