Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has been named the new head coach of the NC State football program.
Rivers, 44, became one of the most talked-about figures in football last season after ending his retirement to make a three-game return with the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the former star quarterback is heading back to the school where his college career began.
Less than a year after his surprise NFL comeback, Rivers has agreed to a five-year contract to lead the Wolfpack.
‘I am humbled and honored to be the next head football coach at NC State University,’ Rivers said. ‘In many ways, I feel like I’m coming home. This is where it all began for me as an 18-year-old kid from Alabama, and now to return to this great place as head coach is beyond words.
‘I gave it everything I had here as a player for 51 games and I will give it everything I have as the coach. There’s no denying that this is going to take hard work, but we’re not scared of hard. I look forward to getting after it every single day with an unbelievable coaching staff and a group of players who are dedicated to relentlessly pursuing victory.’
NC State is expected to formally introduce Rivers as its head coach on Monday, November 16.
Philip Rivers has been appointed head coach of the NC State football team
The former quarterback played for the Wolfpack throughout his college career from 2000 through 2003
‘Philip Rivers is one of one and the right person to lead NC State Football into its next era,’ Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan said.
‘His accomplishments as a player at the collegiate and professional levels speak for themselves. But throughout this search process, what stood out to me most was his exceptional leadership ability, his character, the way he connects with people and his vision for this program. He is someone who is deeply respected and beloved by Wolfpack Nation, and I couldn’t be more proud that he will be the one leading our football program.’
Rivers spent all four years of his college career at NC State between 2000 and 2003, setting multiple passing records before becoming the No. 4 overall selection in the NFL Draft.
He started every game at quarterback during that span, making 51 starts and establishing what was then an NCAA record at the position.
NC State retired his No. 17 jersey during a pregame ceremony before his final college game in November 2003. The number remains displayed in the Ring of Honor at Carter-Finley Stadium.
A 17-year NFL veteran, Rivers is still the ACC’s all-time leading passer more than 20 years after leaving college football.
His son, Gunner, now appears set to continue the family connection. Gunner is committed to play quarterback at NC State as part of the 2027 recruiting class, meaning he could eventually play for his father.
Rivers already has experience coaching his son. Since 2021, he has served as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where Gunner plays quarterback.
Rivers and his wife, Tiffany, welcomed their first child while he was still playing for NC State
The Rivers family pictured on vacation when they had eight children
After his high school team’s season ended in the playoffs on Friday night, Rivers is now preparing to take over the Wolfpack.
Rivers and his wife, Tiffany, have 10 children. Their eldest was born in 2002, while their youngest arrived just three years ago.
A devout Catholic, Rivers married Tiffany, his high school sweetheart and ‘best friend,’ in 2001 after completing his freshman year at NC State.
He became a grandfather in May 2025 when his eldest daughter, Halle, who was born during his time as an NC State student, welcomed a son.
Former quarterback Russell Wilson was also reportedly considered for the position.
Wilson, who moved into broadcasting this season after a short spell with the New York Giants last year, played for NC State from 2008 to 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin.
The Daily Mail understands that Wilson recently interviewed for the job. He retired as a free agent in June and later joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst on NFL Today.
Dave Doeren was dismissed as NC State’s head coach on October 24 following a heavy defeat by Stanford. The Wolfpack responded by reaching a .500 record last week with an impressive victory over Cal under interim coach Todd Goebbel.
