NC State is clearly making a significant effort in its head coaching search.
According to Adam Schefter from ESPN, former Wolfpack and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson has met with the program regarding its head coaching vacancy. He is joined by another notable former Wolfpack quarterback, Philip Rivers, who is also in the running for the position.
Wilson is widely recognized as the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, achieving 10 Pro Bowl selections during his 14-year NFL tenure that also included playing for the Broncos, Giants, and Steelers.
Before stepping into the professional league, Wilson spent three seasons at NC State, concluding his collegiate journey with a single year at Wisconsin in 2011. After retiring from the NFL last season, he has taken on the role of a studio analyst for CBS sports broadcasts related to the NFL.
However, he seems to be ready to return to the field, this time in the capacity of head coach for his former college team. An additional advantage in his pursuit may be that Wilson’s CBS colleague and fellow NC State alum Bill Cowher is acting as an adviser in the search for the new coaching staff.
Russell Wilson played three seasons as NC State’s quarterback. Will he be the program’s next head coach?
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)
Can Wilson or anyone outshine Philip Rivers for the role?
Wilson faces tough competition for the position, especially regarding his prominence within the program.
As stated by ESPN, Rivers has been involved in “serious discussions” concerning the role that was vacated when NC State dismissed longtime head coach Dave Doeren following an Oct. 23 defeat to Stanford, which left the Wolfpack at 3-4.
Doeren held the head coach position at NC State for over 13 seasons and is the school’s all-time winningest coach with a 98-74 record. Nevertheless, the program did not contend for ACC titles and opted for new leadership. They seem eager to make a significant impact with their next appointment.
Either Rivers or Wilson would create a stir. When it comes to garnering support from the fan base, Rivers holds a distinct advantage.
Before embarking on his illustrious NFL journey, which included eight Pro Bowl selections, Rivers played all four years of his college football at NC State.
He remained with the program as a senior. He is celebrated as the best quarterback in NC State’s history and arguably the institution’s top athlete since David Thompson graced the court in the 1970s. He’s a cherished figure in Raleigh.
Philip Rivers is cherished at NC State.
(Lance King via Getty Images)
Would either candidate excel as a head coach?
Determining if Wilson or Rivers, with their strong ties to the school and impressive football records, would be suitable for the coaching role is another matter altogether. Wilson has recently retired as a player and has no previous coaching experience at any level, along with lacking executive leadership credentials that align with what is typically expected from a college football head coach.
On the other hand, Rivers does have coaching experience, but his background is limited to the high school arena. After retiring from the NFL, aside from a brief period with the Colts last season, Rivers has been serving as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.
His son, Gunner Rivers, currently plays quarterback at St. Michael and is also a four-star recruit committed to NC State for the 2027 season. This adds another positive mark in Rivers’ favor.
As to whether any of this qualifies Rivers or Wilson as potential head coaching material, NC State seems poised to find out—at least willing to explore the possibility.
