Could Russell Wilson Return To NC State? His Coaching Answer Sparks Fresh Speculation

Russell Wilson keeps the NC State door open while staying focused on his CBS career.© Image via: X/@NFL_DovKleiman

Retirement lasted about five months before the coaching whispers started. Russell Wilson, the 37-year-old former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, heard the NC State question on national television on Friday, November 6. He answered like a man who is listening but not leaping. He never said yes. He never said no. He talked about loyalty to his alma mater, then pointed straight back to his CBS desk. For Wolfpack fans hoping for a famous name on the sideline, it was equal parts hope and homework. No coaching plans have been announced yet.

Why Russell Wilson Keeps The NC State Wolfpack Guessing

Listen to how the answer was built. On "Today With Jenna & Sheinelle," Wilson began with courtesy: "Well, listen, when your alma mater calls, you always answer." The second line carried his actual position: "Listen, I love doing what I'm doing."

That order matters. A polite nod to the school came first, and a firm statement about his present job came second. Nothing in his words says an offer exists.

The history still gives the story legs. Wilson started his college career with the Wolfpack in Raleigh, then moved to Wisconsin for his final season. He later won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and also played for the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

Former Super Bowl champion QB Russell Wilson interviewed today for the head coaching job at North Carolina State, where he played three seasons, sources told @AdamSchefter. NC State now has two former NFL greats who starred there, Wilson and Philip Rivers, as prominent head-coaching candidates.

— ESPN (@espn) November 4, 2026

Still, running a college program is a different job from calling games. Wilson has never done it, and he sounds in no hurry to find out. "CBS is amazing, it's a blast," he said. He added, "I'm focused on right now, and now is loving what I'm doing on TV."

Russell Wilson And Ciara Prepare For Baby Number Four

The couple spent the rest of the interview on family. Wilson and his wife, Ciara, announced in September that they are expecting. Sienna, Win and Amora will become big siblings, and Ciara's son Future will gain another one.

Wilson recalled their early talks about the future. "It's funny, when we were first met we talked about ... bucket lists [and] how many kids we want to have," he said. Then came the number: "She always wanted five."

Ciara grew up as an only child, and she made clear why a full house appeals to her. "I love being a mom. It's my favorite job in the world," she said. She also described Wilson's role at the hospital. "He makes the process fun for me, especially my deliveries. It's like a vacation," she said.

This pregnancy, she admitted, has had one familiar bump. "Nausea traveled a little longer for me, but overall, I'm rolling," Ciara said.