Philip Rivers Emerges as NC State’s Coaching Target

NC State has focused its coaching search on Philip Rivers, the former Wolfpack quarterback who now leads the football program at Fairhope, Alabama’s St. Michael school. The university fired Dave Doeren on October 24 after a loss to Stanford left the team 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Running backs coach Todd Goebbel was named interim coach.

Rivers addressed the speculation after St. Michael’s regular-season finale on October 30. He said there was nothing imminent, but added, “You never say never.” He said he was focused on his team’s postseason, which begins next week.

NC State administrators and boosters have discussed whether they can assemble the financial support needed to attract players and compete in the current college football landscape. Those conversations have included Rivers’ representatives. The school is also speaking with agents for other coaching candidates, and athletic director Boo Corrigan brought former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher into the search.

Rivers played for NC State from 2000 to 2003, setting school records with 13,484 passing yards and 95 touchdowns. He went fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, played for the Chargers and Colts, and earned eight Pro Bowl selections. He has coached at St. Michael since 2021, leading the team to consecutive state semifinal appearances.

His son Gunner, a four-star quarterback prospect, is committed to NC State and reaffirmed that commitment on October 30. Rivers has not coached at the college level. NC State’s choice could come within the next week or two, while Rivers continues with St. Michael’s playoff run.