By Nicholas Rome ,
3 hours ago
Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After 14 underwhelming seasons under head coach Dave Doeren, NC State finally opted for a change, firing their coach amid a 3-4 start to the season with a 1-3 record in conference play. When you looked around the state of North Carolina and saw the Tar Heels all-in with Bill Belichick and Duke rolling with Manny Diaz, it became clear that the Wolfpack were going to strive for more.
From the moment NC State fired Doeren their head coaching search clearly had a type they were pursuing. Almost instantly, former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers was being floated as a candidate for the job, while fellow Wolfpack QB Russell Wilson even got an interview for the job. On Sunday Morning, after Rivers' High School season came to a close, the Wolfpack made the hire they've been circling the entire time.
Philip Rivers' hiring will be a perfect case study for the NIL era
The reason behind hiring and pursuing Philip River...