Russell Wilson Interviews for NC State Head Coaching Vacancy

Former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson interviewed for the NC State head coaching position on Tuesday, according to sources told to ESPN.

Former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson interviewed Tuesday for the head coaching vacancy at NC State, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 38-year-old, who played for the Wolfpack from 2008 to 2010, is a prominent candidate to replace Dave Doeren, who was fired by the university on Oct. 24. Wilson recently retired from a 14-season NFL career in June to join CBS Sports as an analyst.

Philip Rivers, another former NC State and NFL quarterback, has also emerged as a top candidate for the position. The 44-year-old Rivers is currently in his sixth season coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he led the team to two consecutive state playoff semifinals. Sources indicate that Rivers, who has no college coaching experience, informed the university he intends to finish his current high school season before potentially transitioning roles.

Wilson’s candidacy follows a professional career that included 10 Pro Bowl selections and a championship victory with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2013 season. Before transferring to Wisconsin in 2011, he spent three seasons in Raleigh. The search for a new head coach comes less than two weeks after the program moved on from Doeren during the 2026 season.