Eight-Time Pro Bowl QB is an 'Early Name' Considered for NC State HC Job

NC State has fired Dave Doeren as its head coach, and an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback could take his place.

According to CBS Sports' John Talty, Philip Rivers is an "early name that has come up with industry sources." Rivers, an NC State alum, interviewed for the Buffalo Bills head coaching role in January and is currently the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama.

Rivers played at NC State from 2000 to 2003 before playing 18 seasons in the NFL and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. In 2003, Rivers was named the ACC Player of the Year after throwing for 4,491 yards and 34 touchdowns. In his four seasons at NC State, Rivers threw for 13,484 yards and 95 TDs.

Philip Rivers has been a successful high school football coach

In 2004, the San Diego Chargers selected Rivers at No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft. He spent 16 seasons with the Chargers and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times.

In 2020, Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts and helped the team reach the playoffs. He initially retired in 2021 to coach high school football. Rivers returned to the Colts last year after receiving multiple interest from teams during his retirement. He played in three games before announcing his retirement at the end of the season.

As a high school coach, Rivers has seen success in the last two seasons. In 2024, Rivers led St. Michael Catholic to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the state semifinals. Last year, St. Michael finished 13-1 and reached the semifinals again.

Doeren was NC State's head coach for 14 seasons. During his time with the program, Doeren led the Wolfpack to a 98-73 record and 10 bowl game appearances. NC State special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.