Philip Rivers Hired as Next Head Coach of NC State

NC State is poised to hire Philip Rivers as its next head coach, bringing back a legendary quarterback from his alma mater to revive the struggling program.

Rivers will take over for Dave Doeren, who was let go after a disappointing loss to Stanford in Week 8, leaving behind a career record of 98-73 at NC State. The new challenge for Rivers is to transform the Wolfpack into a top contender in the ACC.

The decision to hire Rivers marks a departure from the typical coaching search process, where schools often opt for experienced coordinators or established head coaches. Instead, NC State is betting on its former star quarterback's enthusiasm and ability to generate support from local boosters.

Rivers' college career at NC State was nothing short of remarkable, with four consecutive seasons as the team's starter from 2000 to 2003. During his time under coach Chuck Amato, he threw for a total of 13,484 yards, an impressive feat that still stands today.

The 2002 season remains the highlight of NC State's history, with Rivers leading the team to an 11-3 record and a Gator Bowl victory. That campaign is notable as it marked the only time the Wolfpack have achieved double-digit wins in a single season.

With his experience playing for the school, Rivers is well-positioned to connect with local fans and boosters, who will be critical in supporting him in his new role.

NC State is poised for a new era under its next head coach, Philip Rivers, who has been heavily linked to the position. However, the Wolfpack's current situation is far from ideal, having fallen short of expectations in recent seasons.

Under former coach Dave Doeren, NC State consistently won nine games per year but failed to break through the 10-win barrier. This lack of progress had led to a sense of stagnation around the program, with fans and boosters seemingly resigned to the team's place among the ACC's middle-class teams.

The introduction of the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) era has brought about significant changes in college football, including the need for programs to engage more directly with their fan bases. This shift is particularly relevant at NC State, where apathy from fans could have serious implications for the program's success and competitiveness.

As a new head coach, Rivers will face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to upgrading his roster through the transfer portal. Unlike coaches who bring an existing team with them to their new program, Rivers will need to rely on external investment to fill gaps in his lineup.

Rivers' son, Gunner, is set to join him at NC State as a four-star quarterback recruit. Gunner has spent the past four years playing under his father's guidance at the high school level and will be well-versed in the family's preferred offense.

The hiring of Philip Rivers as NC State's next coach is set to bring a unique dynamic to the program. With his son Gunner having spent four years playing under his father's guidance at the high school level, he will be well-versed in the family's preferred offense.

Rivers' coaching style and ability to sustain success are still uncertain factors. He may draw comparisons to Deion Sanders, who brought instant energy to a program but struggled to maintain it after his son left. On the other hand, he could follow in the footsteps of Trent Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback turned high school coach who faced challenges running a college program.

The outcome of Rivers' tenure at NC State will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With more than 20 years having passed since he starred for the Wolfpack, there is hope that he can lead them to new heights in the College Football Playoff era.