RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina State University announced Friday that former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers will serve as the school’s next head football coach. The board of trustees approved a five‑year contract, completing the hiring process that began after Rivers’ high‑school team in Alabama finished its season with a playoff loss.
Rivers returns home
Rivers, a 44‑year‑old native of Alabama, spent his college career (2000‑03) as a four‑year starter for the Wolfpack, setting Atlantic Coast Conference records for career passing yards (13,484), completions (1,087) and attempts (1,710). He also holds the school record for career passing touchdowns (95). His No. 17 jersey was retired at the university, and he helped the 2002 team achieve an 11‑3 record, the only ten‑win season in program history.
“I am humbled and honored to be the next head football coach at N.C. State University,” Rivers said in a statement released by the school. “In many ways, I feel like I’m coming home. This is where it all began for me as an 18‑year‑old kid from Alabama, and now to return to this great place as head coach is beyond words.”
Coaching background
Before accepting the NC State position, Rivers spent six seasons as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he also coached his son, four‑star quarterback prospect Gunner Rivers, who committed to NC State in February. Rivers has never coached at the college or professional level, though he interviewed for the Buffalo Bills head‑coaching job in January before withdrawing from consideration.
Athletic director Boo Corrigan praised the hire, noting Rivers’ deep ties to the university and the local fan base. “He’s part of our DNA and who we are,” Corrigan said.
Replacing Dave Doeren
Rivers succeeds Dave Doeren, who was dismissed midway through his 14th season. Doeren’s tenure produced consistent eight‑ to nine‑win seasons and bowl appearances, but the program never achieved a second ten‑win season.
The hiring comes as the Wolfpack navigates a changing college‑football landscape marked by increased player movement through the transfer portal and the advent of name‑image‑likeness compensation. The university hopes Rivers’ familiarity with the program and his recent coaching experience will help the team compete for higher success.
Looking ahead
The university has scheduled Rivers’ introductory news conference for Monday, where he will outline his vision for the program and meet with the coaching staff and players. Fans and alumni have expressed excitement about the return of a beloved former player who understands the traditions and rivalries of the Triangle region.
Rivers’ NFL résumé includes 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and a final year with the Indianapolis Colts, eight Pro Bowl selections and nearly 64,000 passing yards. He briefly returned to the Colts in 2022 as a practice‑squad quarterback before retiring again and resuming his high‑school coaching duties.
With a strong local connection and a proven track record as a player, Rivers aims to bring the same dedication and work ethic to the coaching role, promising “hard work” and “relentless pursuit of victory” for the Wolfpack.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
