Sources: NC State talking to former QB Rivers about coaching job

• Mark Schlabach

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  Mark Schlabach

  ESPN Senior Writer

  • Senior college football writer
  • Author of seven books on college football
  • Graduate of the University of Georgia
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Oct 31, 2026, 09:43 AM ET

Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers has engaged in serious discussions about returning to coach his alma mater, though sources have told ESPN that a deal isn't yet close.

Rivers, who played at NC State from 2000 to 2003, is in his sixth season as coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. Rivers, who has never coached in college, led the Cardinals to the state playoffs semifinals the previous two seasons.

The 44-year-old has told NC State that he wants to finish the current high school season, sources said. Rivers emerged as the favorite to replace Dave Doeren, who was fired on Oct. 24, in the early stages of the search.

Rivers hasn't met with NC State officials in person, sources said, but there has been outreach about putting together a front office should he agree to take the job.

"I mean, shoot, NC State's special to me," Rivers told Al.com after St. Michael's 53-32 loss to Foley High School on Friday night. "And, you know, Coach Doren, shoot, what he did over 14 years, and all-time winningest coach [there's] a ton of respect and appreciation, you know, for how he went about it with the university. There's nothing there at this point.

"Like I told you earlier in the week, you understand the chatter is out there. Gotta take it one day at a time, you know, is all I know. I'm excited [for] this postseason with these guys here, and I guess it's like I told you last year, you never say never, but there's nothing imminent."

Rivers' son, Gunner, committed to play for NC State on Feb. 23. He suffered a knee injury and was shut down for the rest of St. Michael's season. Gunner Rivers, who is ranked 168th in the SC Next 300, threw for 10,847 yards with 119 touchdowns in his high school career.

Philip Rivers broke nearly every NC State and ACC record during his career, throwing for 13,484 yards with 95 touchdowns. He led the Wolfpack to four straight bowl games under coach Chuck Amato, winning three of them.

Rivers played 17 seasons in the NFL, all but one with the Chargers, before retiring following the 2020 season. Last year, he came out of retirement to start three games for the Indianapolis Colts after starter Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard were hurt.

In January, Rivers interviewed for the Buffalo Bills' head-coaching vacancy, but he later removed himself from the search.