Philip Rivers Says ‘Nothing Imminent’ After Emerging As Reported Focus Of NC State Coaching Search

Philip Rivers has not closed the door on coaching NC State, but he is pushing back against the idea that a move is about to happen.

The former Wolfpack quarterback addressed the speculation Friday night after St. Michael Catholic’s regular-season finale in Fairhope, Alabama. Earlier in the day, On3 reported that Rivers had become the focus of NC State’s search to replace Dave Doeren. Rivers’ response kept the possibility alive while making clear that his immediate attention remains on the high school team he has coached since 2021.

Rivers Keeps His Focus On St. Michael’s Playoff Run

“Like I said last year, you never say never, but there is nothing imminent,” Rivers told AL.com’s Ben Thomas.

He also spoke warmly about NC State and praised Doeren, the program’s all-time wins leader, for his work over 14 seasons. The school dismissed Doeren after a loss to Stanford left the Wolfpack 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play. Doeren’s record at NC State was 98-74, including a 52-57 mark against ACC opponents.

Rivers said he understood the chatter. He described coaching at his alma mater as a different consideration because of his attachment to the university, while emphasizing how much his family enjoys life at St. Michael.

Friday’s 53-32 loss to Foley ended the Cardinals’ six-game winning streak and left them 6-4. They host Glenwood in the opening round of the Double-A playoffs on November 6.

Rivers is 48-20 in six seasons at St. Michael, with consecutive Class 4A semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025. He has never coached above the high school level.

NC State Search Carries Strong Family Connections

On3’s Chris Low, Brett McMurphy and Pete Nakos reported Friday that Rivers had emerged as the search’s focus, with no timetable for a hire while his season continues.

His son Gunner, a four-star quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class, is already committed to NC State. Another former St. Michael player, Noah Moss, is on the Wolfpack roster.

Rivers played in Raleigh from 2000 through 2003 before beginning an NFL career that brought eight Pro Bowl selections. His name also surfaced in the Buffalo Bills’ coaching search earlier this year, when he interviewed before returning to St. Michael.

NC State has appointed running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Athletic director Boo Corrigan will have help evaluating the next appointment. Former NFL coach Bill Cowher and former Wolfpack defensive back Dewayne Washington are advising the search.