Philip Rivers is on the brink of a new career path.
NC State is working to finalize a deal with the former Chargers quarterback and Wolfpack alumnus as the football program’s new head coach, multiple reports said Sunday.
Rivers, 44, would be replacing Dave Doeren, who was fired in October after a 3-4 (1-3 in the ACC) start to the season in his 14th season.
Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts walks to the locker room during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Jan. 4, 2026. Getty Images
It marks Rivers’ first coaching gig at either the college or professional level.
The Decatur, Ala. native has spent the last six years serving as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala. The new gig also makes him the first head coach hired by a major program from a high school job since Notre Dame took in Gerry Faust in 1981.
Rivers is also the fourth former NC State player to become his ala mater’s head coach, joining Harry Hartsell (1917, 1921-23), Tal Stafford (1918) and Chuck Amato (2000-06).
Russell Wilson also interviewed for the position at NC State this month.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, was the quarterback for the Wolf...