Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has been proposed as a candidate for the NC State Wolfpack head coaching position, according to a Yahoo Sports column by Bill Bender published on October 31, 2026. The article argues that NC State should seriously consider hiring Rivers despite the obvious risks associated with appointing a coach whose primary experience comes from the high school level.
Rivers, who played 17 seasons in the NFL primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts, has been serving as a high school football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since retiring from professional football. The column suggests his extensive NFL experience, leadership qualities, and ties to the program — Rivers played college football at NC State from 2000 to 2003 — make him a compelling candidate despite his lack of college or professional coaching experience.
The recommendation comes amid ongoing speculation about the Wolfpack's coaching future. Rivers' deep understanding of the program, combined with his 17-year NFL career that included eight Pro Bowl selections and over 63,000 passing yards, presents a unique profile that bridges program loyalty and elite football knowledge.
