Philip Rivers is set to become the next head football coach at North Carolina State University, with a contract agreement expected to be finalized by the board of trustees on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.
The hiring marks a significant transition for the Wolfpack, as the university turns to one of the most celebrated players in program history to lead its football program into a new era.
I believe Phil’s son Gunner is already committed there but would love for my son to work with him one day https://t.co/SQnqxklgz0
Doeren, the all-time winningest coach in program history with a 98-74 record, oversaw eight seasons of eight or more wins during his tenure.
Following the coaching change, the team has navigated the remainder of the 2026 season under interim coach Todd Goebbel, currently holding a 4-5 record following a Week 10 loss to Duke. The program faces a critical stretch, needing to win two of its final three games to qualify for a bowl appearance.
Rivers enters his alma mater without prior college or professional coaching experience, having spent the past six seasons leading the program at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. During his tenure there, he built the program from the ground up, achieving a 48-21 overall record and guiding the Cardinals to state semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025. His 2026 season concluded following a playoff loss on Friday, Nov. 6.
When asked about his potential transition to the college level, Rivers noted, “It’s been a heck of a six years. I know that and just trying to be where my feet are right now. Really was looking forward to this playoff run, and again, so it all comes to an end. We’ll see what the future holds.”
The decision to hire Rivers is viewed by university leadership as a necessary step toward elevating the program. NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell and athletics director Boo Corrigan previously emphasized a commitment to providing the financial investment and NIL support required to challenge for ACC championships and compete for spots in the College Football Playoff.
Major donor Andy Albright highlighted the urgency of this mission, stating, “We need to build revenue to support the players.” The university hopes that Rivers’ stature and local legacy will help drive the necessary fundraising and ticket sales to maintain pace with the changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
He led the Wolfpack to four consecutive bowl games, winning three of them, and remains the only quarterback to lead the program to a 10-plus win season. His No. 17 jersey has since been retired by the university, and he was inducted into the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Following his collegiate success, he was selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Giants before being traded to the San Diego Chargers. He played 16 seasons with the Chargers and briefly returned to the NFL in 2025 to make three starts for the Indianapolis Colts following injuries to Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.
The transition to Raleigh will also be a family affair. Rivers’ son, Gunner, a four-star prospect in the class of 2027, committed to play for NC State on Feb. 23, 2026. The younger Rivers threw for 10,847 yards and 119 touchdowns at St. Michael before his high school career was impacted by a knee injury.
Former teammates and colleagues have expressed support for the move, with former Colts assistant coach Brian Bratton describing Rivers as “one of the best leaders I’ve been around,” while the university remains focused on the potential for Rivers to rejuvenate the fanbase and restore the team to the upper echelons of college football.
Earlier coverage: Philip Rivers Named NC State Head Coach, Reports Say
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