NC State reportedly finalizing deal to name Rivers next HC

Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

NC State reportedly finalizing deal to name Philip Rivers next head coach

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 8, 2026 12:37 PM ET

From the moment that North Carolina State made the decision to fire longtime head coach Dave Doeren, there has been one name that many in the college football world expected to be named the next head coach.

That name was former NC State quarterback and future NFL Hall of Famer Philip Rivers. Rivers had denied conversations between the two sides on several occasions, but the latest report on Sunday indicated that a deal is close to being finished.

NC State is finalizing a deal to name Philip Rivers its next head coach

According to reports from college football insiders Chris Low and Pete Nakos of On3, NC State is finalizing a deal that will make Rivers the program's next head coach.

The reports have indicated that Rivers has already begun reaching out to front offices and coaching staffs to put together his potential staff at NC State.

Rivers was the quarterback at NC State from 2000 to 2003, throwing 95 touchdowns and leading the Wolfpack to one of the most successful four-year stretches in program history.

BREAKING: NC State is working to finalize a deal to make Philip Rivers its next head coach, @Clowfb, @PeteNakos and @fleischman_noah report

Rivers has begun reaching out to potential front office and coaching staff candidates.https://t.co/waGSCEsJls https://t.co/dQj7OR0sg0 pic.twitter.com/OjzGUkkhvS
— On3 (@On3) November 8, 2026

Philip Rivers at NC State (2000-03):

13,484 passing yards (program record)
95 passing TDs (program record)
Beat Notre Dame in 2002 Gator Bowl
2003 ACC Player of the Year

He's in line to become the Wolfpack's next head coach, per @On3 #NFL | #GoPack pic.twitter.com/SLtET59qa8
— FanDuel Sports (@FanDuelSports) November 8, 2026

Philip Rivers will have a familiar face in his quarterback room

The eldest Rivers won't be the lone one on campus at NC State next season. His son, four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers, committed to NC State back in February.

The likely departure of current quarterback CJ Bailey could open the door for the father-son duo to take over as head coach and starting quarterback in 2027.

Rivers' return to his alma mater will certainly put a ton of eyes on NC State, and it will certainly be one of the storylines to follow in college football next season.

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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