Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson reportedly in the mix for NC State head-coaching job
NC State Looks to the NFL for its Next Head Coach: Russell Wilson a Front‑Running Candidate
The North Carolina State Wolfpack football program has officially opened the search for a new head coach after the dismissal of longtime head coach Dave Doeren on October 24. Athletic Director Boo Corrigan has said the school is pursuing two high‑profile figures, former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and former NFL quarterback‑coach Philip Rivers, as potential hires.
Wilson’s Transition From the Gridiron to the Studio
The 37‑year‑old former Super Bowl champion retired from professional football in June after 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, a career that included 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. Wilson joined CBS’s studio team as a football analyst just two months ago, a role he has described as “an exciting new chapter” after a storied career on the field. Despite the short time he has spent in broadcasting, the former player has already expressed interest in returning to the college sidelines.
In an interview, Wilson said he was “already eyeing a return to college football” and that the prospect of coaching at a storied program such as NC State “has always been on my mind.” Wilson, who played at NC State from 2008 to 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin, was a key contributor to the Wolfpack’s offense and was a 93‑touchdown scorer during his collegiate tenure.
No Coaching Experience, But A National Spotlight
The Wolfpack’s search is being conducted amid a broader college football hiring frenzy. Wilson’s candidacy is intriguing not because he has any coaching experience – he has never led a team on the field – but because of the name recognition he carries and the media attention he would bring. “Hiring a first‑time coach is a gamble, but the modern game is driven by name recognition, NIL money, and booster support,” one insider noted.
NC State’s decision to look beyond traditional coaching pipelines could signal a desire to capitalize on Wilson’s celebrity status. “We want to bring national attention and booster money above all else,” said a source close to the athletic department, citing the school’s intent to strengthen its brand and attract top recruiting talent.
Rivers’ High School Pedigree
The other front‑runner, 44‑year‑old Philip Rivers, is a former NFL quarterback who has spent the last six seasons as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. Rivers guided his team to consecutive state semifinals and has reportedly told the Wolfpack that he wishes to finish his high‑school coaching season before making a move. “I want to finish my high school season first,” Rivers told a reporter.
Rivers’ high‑school coaching record, combined with his NFL experience, offers NC State a candidate with proven leadership on the field and a strong connection to the local football community.
The Search Process
Dave Doeren’s firing came after a 3‑4 start to the 2023 season. Athletic Director Boo Corrigan is now steering the search, reportedly targeting Wilson and Rivers as “program icons” to reinvigorate the Wolfpack. While no official offers have been made, reports surfaced on Tuesday that Wilson was in advanced discussions with the school and was interviewed for the role.
If the Wolfpack hires a former NFL star, it would join a growing list of collegiate programs that have turned to ex‑professionals for head‑coach positions, a trend that has sparked debate over the need for coaching experience versus celebrity appeal.
What’s Next for NC State
The Wolfpack’s coaching search is expected to continue into the coming weeks. The athletic department will weigh the benefits of a high‑profile name against the necessity of coaching experience, recruiting prowess, and the ability to manage a college program’s day‑to‑day operations.
For Wilson, a coaching opportunity at NC State would be a full-circle moment, returning to the campus where he first made a name for himself on the field. Whether the Wolfpack chooses him, Rivers, or a more traditional candidate remains to be seen, but the search is already generating headlines and sparking conversations across the college football landscape.
