Philip Rivers could be returning to Raleigh for the next chapter of his football career.
North Carolina State is working to finalize a deal to make the former Wolfpack quarterback its next head football coach, according to reports from On3’s Chris Low, Pete Nakos and The Wolfpacker’s Noah Fleischman.
Rivers has reportedly begun reaching out to potential front office and coaching staff candidates as the program works toward completing an agreement.
The potential hire would bring one of the most recognizable players in NC State football history back to lead the program.
From Wolfpack Legend to Head Coach
Rivers, 44, starred at NC State from 2000 through 2003, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history.
He finished his college career with 13,484 passing yards and 95 touchdown passes. He started 51 consecutive games, earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 2003 and had his No. 17 jersey retired by the university.
Following his collegiate career, Rivers was selected fourth overall by the New York Giants in the 2004 NFL Draft before being traded to the San Diego Chargers.
He went on to enjoy an 18-season NFL career, throwing for 63,984 yards and 425 touchdowns while earning eight Pro Bowl selections.
Rivers Brings Six Seasons of Head Coaching Experience
Although this would be his first college head coaching opportunity, Rivers has spent the past six seasons leading the football program at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.
He helped build the program into a competitive team, including consecutive deep postseason runs in 2024 and 2025.
St. Michael’s 2026 season ended Friday with a 42-35 playoff loss to Glenwood, potentially clearing the way for Rivers to make his return to Raleigh.
A Family Connection in Raleigh
The potential move also carries an interesting family connection.
Rivers’ son, Gunner Rivers, is a four-star quarterback recruit committed to NC State’s 2027 recruiting class.
The opportunity would allow father and son to reunite in Raleigh, with Gunner expected to join the Wolfpack as a freshman next season.
A New Era for NC State Football?
NC State dismissed longtime head coach Dave Doeren on October 24 following a difficult start to the 2026 season.
Doeren finished his tenure as the program’s winningest head coach, compiling a 95-70 record over 14 seasons.
Now, the Wolfpack appear to be closing in on a high-profile successor.
If finalized, Rivers would become the 37th head coach in NC State football history.
The university has not officially announced the hiring. A previously scheduled Board of Trustees meeting later this week could provide an opportunity for the contract to receive approval.
For Rivers, this could be a homecoming years in the making. For NC State, it would represent a major gamble on a program legend transitioning from high school coaching to the demands of major college football.
Source: On3 / The Wolfpacker
