Former NC State star Russell Wilson interviews for Wolfpack head-coaching job

Russell Wilson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Former NC State star Russell Wilson interviews for Wolfpack head-coaching job

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 3, 2026 8:44 PM ET

From the moment that the North Carolina State Wolfpack football program parted ways with head coach Dave Doeren, the focus of the coaching search turned directly toward Philip Rivers.

Rivers played at NC State from 2000-2003 and had a long, decorated career in the NFL. All signs pointed to the future NC State star becoming the next head coach at his alma mater, but a report Tuesday indicated that Rivers isn't the only former Wolfpack quarterback in the mix.

Russell Wilson reportedly interviewed for the coaching vacancy

According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, former Super Bowl champion and NC State quarterback Russell Wilson interviewed for NC State's head-coaching job on Tuesday.

Wilson began his college career with the Wolfpack, spending three seasons (2008-2010) with the program before transferring to Wisconsin.

Wilson now joins Rivers as one of two former NC State quarterbacks that the program has serious interest in for its head-coaching vacancy.

Sources: former Super Bowl champion QB Russell Wilson interviewed today for the head coaching job at North Carolina State, where he played three seasons.

NC State now has two former NFL greats who starred there, Wilson and Philip Rivers, as prominent head-coaching candidates. pic.twitter.com/sMYuHHKA2o
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2026

Either former QB would be an excellent choice

If the final decision comes down to Rivers or Wilson, the NC State administration can make no wrong choice. Each of the two are brilliant football minds who had excellent NFL careers and certainly have bright futures in coaching.

It is clear that the university views both in high regard and is comfortable with either of the two leading the program for the foreseeable future.

It will be intriguing to see how the NC State coaching search plays out and if one of the two former quarterbacks eventually lands the job.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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