Philip Rivers explores return to NC State as head coach

Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers is engaged in serious discussions about returning to his alma mater as head coach, according to sources familiar with the search. While the 44-year-old has emerged as the favorite to replace Dave Doeren, who was fired on October 24, a final agreement has not yet been reached.

Rivers, who played for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003, is currently in his sixth season as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He has told NC State officials that he wants to complete the current high school season before taking on the college role. St. Michael lost 53-32 to Foley High School on Friday night, a contest that highlighted Rivers' ongoing commitment to his high school program.

Although the two sides have not met in person, outreach has focused on constructing a front office staff for the position. Rivers expressed deep respect for his predecessor, noting the impact Doeren had on the program over 14 years. "I mean, shoot, NC State's special to me," Rivers said after Friday's loss. He added that while he is aware of the public speculation, he is focused on the current postseason with his high school team and sees nothing imminent.

Rivers' connection to the program extends to his son, Gunner, who committed to play for NC State on February 23. Gunner Rivers, ranked 168th in the SC Next 300, threw for 10,847 yards and 119 touchdowns in his high school career. He is currently out for the remainder of St. Michael's season due to a knee injury.

During his time as a player at NC State, Philip Rivers threw for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns, breaking nearly every school and conference record. He led the team to four consecutive bowl games under coach Chuck Amato, winning three of those contests. His professional career spanned 17 NFL seasons, primarily with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers. He retired after the 2020 season but returned to play for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, starting three games after injuries to Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.

Rivers recently pursued other coaching opportunities, interviewing for the Buffalo Bills head coaching vacancy in January. He later removed himself from that search. His potential return to NC State would mark his first head coaching role at the collegiate level.