Former NFL star quarterback Philip Rivers has emerged as the primary focus for NC State in its search for a new head coach, according to reports from Chris Low, Brett McMurphy, and Pete Nakos of On3.com. ESPN’s Pete Thamel initially reported that Rivers was under consideration for the Wolfpack vacancy.
Coaching Timeline and Background
Low, McMurphy, and Nakos noted that there is no official timetable for Rivers to be hired as he completes the 2026 season as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. The school has achieved a 6-3 record under his leadership this season, following state playoff semifinal appearances in Class 4A during the previous two years.
The coaching search follows NC State’s decision to fire head coach Dave Doeren after the team started the 2026 campaign with a 3-4 record.
Deep Ties to NC State
Before his successful 17-year NFL career, which included eight Pro Bowl selections and seven playoff appearances, Rivers played quarterback for NC State across four seasons from 2000 to 2003.
Additionally, his 17-year-old son, Gunner Rivers, is a four-star high school quarterback prospect ranked as the No. 12 passer in the 2027 recruiting class by 247Sports composite rankings. Gunner committed to play for the Wolfpack on February 23.
Although transitioning from high school coaching to the collegiate level presents significant challenges, Rivers’ extensive professional playing background and deep personal connection to NC State have positioned him as the leading candidate for the program’s head coaching position.
