Two famous former quarterbacks could be headed back to Raleigh, this time with a whistle instead of a helmet. NC State is weighing a pair of former Wolfpack stars who went on to long NFL careers.
Russell Wilson, the Super Bowl champion quarterback, interviewed Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, for the head coaching job at NC State, according to reports.
Why is Russell Wilson a candidate at NC State?
Wilson played at NC State from 2008 to 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin for his final college season in 2011. He also played baseball at NC State and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the third round in 2012, and he went on to play 14 NFL seasons. He led Seattle to its first Super Bowl championship after the 2013 season and was selected to 10 Pro Bowls. Known for his scrambling and leadership, he later played for the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.
Russell Wilson, 37, announced his retirement in June to become an analyst for CBS Sports. He has no coaching experience. His move to broadcasting kept him close to the game.
Who else is NC State considering?
Philip Rivers, another former NC State and NFL quarterback like Russell Wilson, has also emerged as a prominent candidate. Rivers played for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003.
Rivers, 44, is in his sixth season as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he led the team to the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons. He took over the high school program after retiring from the NFL.
He has never coached in college and has told NC State he wants to finish the current high school season, according to reports. He briefly returned to the NFL last season to play for the Indianapolis Colts.
Why is NC State searching for a coach?
NC State fired Dave Doeren on Oct. 24. Doeren had led the program since 2013. The school made the change midseason after a disappointing start.
The Wolfpack, who play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are looking for a coach who can energize the program, and Russell Wilson would bring instant attention. The program has a passionate following and has sent several players to the NFL.
Could Russell Wilson succeed as a coach?
Former players with little college coaching experience have had mixed results in college football. Some, like Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Colorado, have energized programs with their star power and recruiting appeal. Others have struggled with the demands of the job.
Russell Wilson’s name recognition, leadership reputation and ties to the school could help in recruiting. His experience playing at the highest level could also appeal to players hoping to reach the NFL.
Critics say running a major college program requires managing staff, budgets and player movement, skills that take time to develop. Assistant coaches with deep experience would likely be key to any head coach without prior experience.
Hiring Wilson would also make him one of the few Black head coaches leading a major college football program, a group that remains small despite the number of Black players in the sport. Supporters say more diverse leadership benefits players and programs.
What happens next in the NC State search?
NC State has not announced a timeline for a decision. Hiring either former quarterback would draw national attention to the program.
For Russell Wilson, the interview marks a possible new chapter just months after leaving the NFL. Whether he trades the broadcast booth for the sideline could become one of the biggest stories of the college coaching season.
