NC State Set to Hire Former NFL Quarterback

NC State is preparing to bring one of the most accomplished players in program history back to Raleigh, with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers expected to become the Wolfpack’s next head football coach. The NC State board of trustees is expected to finalize a contract Friday that will make Rivers his alma mater’s new head coach, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The long anticipated hiring is expected to be completed following Friday’s meeting, marking a new chapter for the Wolfpack football program.

Rivers, 44, has never coached at the college level but has spent the past six seasons building a football program at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He guided the Cardinals to the state semifinals in both 2024 and 2025 after building the program from the ground up. Sources said Rivers informed NC State that he wanted to finish his current high school season before making the move. That season concluded Friday, clearing the way for him to return to his former school.

Rivers Emerged as Favorite to Replace Dave Doeren

Rivers emerged as the favorite during the early stages of NC State’s coaching search after the school fired Dave Doeren on Oct. 24. Another former Wolfpack quarterback and NFL star, Russell Wilson, was also involved in discussions about the opening.

The expected hiring represents a significant move for NC State, which is turning to one of its most recognizable former players to lead the program. Although Rivers does not have previous college coaching experience, he brings an extensive football background from his playing career and his development of the St. Michael program.

Rivers Built a Record Breaking Career at NC State

Rivers played quarterback for the Wolfpack from 2000 through 2003, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in program history. He threw for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns, breaking nearly every major NC State and ACC passing record during his college career.

Rivers also led the Wolfpack to four consecutive bowl appearances under former head coach Chuck Amato, winning three of them. Amato, who helped bring Rivers to Raleigh and coached him throughout his college career, died last month at the age of 80. More than two decades after leaving NC State, Rivers is now positioned to return to the program in a much different role.

Son Gunner Rivers Also Committed to NC State

The coaching move also carries a family connection, as Rivers’ son, Gunner, committed to play football at NC State on Feb. 23. Gunner, ranked No. 168 in the SC Next 300, threw for 10,847 yards and 119 touchdowns during his high school career at St. Michael before a knee injury brought his season to an end. His commitment gives the Rivers family another connection to the Wolfpack, with the possibility of father and son joining the program together.

Rivers Brings Extensive NFL Experience to Raleigh

Rivers spent 17 seasons in the NFL, playing all but one of those seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers before retiring following the 2020 season. He finished his professional career as one of the league’s most productive quarterbacks and earned eight Pro Bowl selections during his time in the NFL.

Rivers made an unexpected return to professional football last season, coming out of retirement to start three games for the Indianapolis Colts after injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard. He also explored another opportunity to coach at the professional level earlier this year, interviewing for the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching vacancy in January before eventually removing himself from consideration.

Now, Rivers appears ready to take on his first major college coaching opportunity at the school where he made his name as a player. If finalized Friday as expected, Rivers will return to Raleigh with the challenge of rebuilding NC State’s football program and leading the Wolfpack into a new era.