Philip Rivers seeks NC State job after high school season
The former quarterback is in talks to replace Dave Doeren but has told officials he wants to finish his current season at St. Michael Catholic High School.
By Matthew Collins ·
Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers is in serious discussions about becoming the next head coach of the Wolfpack, according to sources. However, insiders indicated that a formal agreement has not yet been reached.
Rivers, 44, is currently in his sixth season as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He has not previously held a coaching position at the college level. Under his leadership, the Cardinals advanced to the state playoff semifinals in each of the last two seasons.
The search for a new leader at NC State began after Dave Doeren was dismissed on Oct. 24. Rivers emerged as the leading candidate early in the process. Sources said the former professional player informed university officials that he intends to complete the current high school season before transitioning roles.
Although the two sides have not met face to face, officials have begun discussing the structure of a potential front office should Rivers accept the position. The coaching change comes less than three months after Rivers’ son, Gunner, committed to play for the Wolfpack on Feb. 23.
Gunner Rivers, ranked 168th in the SC Next 300, threw for 10,847 yards and 119 touchdowns during his high school career. He recently suffered a knee injury that ended his season with St. Michael's.
"NC State's special to me," Rivers told Al.com following a 53-32 loss to Foley High School on Friday night. He expressed respect for Doeren’s 14-year tenure and status as the program's all-time winningest coach. "There's nothing there at this point," he added, noting that he is focused on the current postseason.
Philip Rivers holds nearly every passing record in NC State and ACC history. He accumulated 13,484 passing yards and 95 touchdowns while leading the team to four consecutive bowl games under Chuck Amato. After a 17-season NFL career, primarily with the Los Angeles Chargers, he retired in 2020. He returned to the Indianapolis Colts for three games last year. In January, Rivers interviewed for the Buffalo Bills' head coaching vacancy before withdrawing from the search.
Source: ESPN
