Philip Rivers Reacts to NC State HC Rumors in New Video with Son Gunner Committed to Wolfpack

Former star quarterback Philip Rivers discussed his involvement in rumors linking him to NC State's full-time head coaching vacancy after Dave Doeren was recently fired.

"Obviously, NC State's special to me," Rivers told Ben Thomas of AL.com on Friday. "Coach Doeren, what he did over 14 years, all-time winningest coach, a ton of respect and appreciation for how he went about it with the university. There's nothing there at this point."

"Gotta take it one day at a time, that's all I know," he added. "I'm excited about this postseason with these guys here. It's like I told you last year, you never say never. But there's nothing imminent."

On3.com's Chris Low, Brett McMurphy and Pete Nakos reported Friday that Rivers had "emerged as the focus" of the coaching search by NC State, his alma mater.

The eight-time Pro Bowler spent his college career with the Wolfpack from 2000-03, appearing in 49 games for them. He currently serves as head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama.

Rivers' son, Gunner, is a quarterback for St. Michael Catholic and has already committed to NC State. Gunner is a 4-star prospect and is listed as the No. 12 player at his position in the 2027 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

The Wolfpack fired Doeren on Saturday after falling to 3-4 to begin the 2026 season. NC State is in danger of compiling its second losing record in three years after previously recording at least eight wins from 2020-23.