NC State has landed former Wolfpack star Philip Rivers as its next head football coach, with formal approval and an announcement expected Friday. Rivers returns to Raleigh after a decorated NFL career and six seasons coaching high school football in Alabama.

By the Numbers
  • Rivers threw for more than 13,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns at NC State from 2000 to 2003.
  • He led St. Michael Catholic to a 48-21 record and two playoff-semifinal appearances in six seasons.
  • Rivers played 16 seasons for the Chargers and appeared for the Colts in 2020 and briefly in 2025.
Yes, But

Rivers brings deep ties to the program and coaching experience, but his head-coaching résumé is limited to the high school level. The school has yet to formally approve the contract or announce the hire.

State of Play
  • Rivers has accepted the open position, according to reports.
  • NC State’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet Friday, when approval and an official announcement are expected.
  • His son Gunner, a four-star quarterback prospect, is committed to join the Wolfpack next spring.
What's Next

The Board of Trustees is expected to take up the contract Friday, clearing the way for NC State to formally introduce Rivers as its 37th head coach.

Bottom Line

NC State is betting that Rivers’ program legacy, football experience and local connection can translate into success on the sideline—though his first college head-coaching job will be a major step up.