Philip Rivers Hired as Head Football Coach at NC State

NC State has made one of the most surprising coaching hires in college football, naming former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers its next head coach! PFN's Max Chadwick breaks down the Wolfpack's decision to hire the greatest quarterback in school history despite Rivers having no previous coaching experience at the college or NFL level. After 14 seasons under Dave Doeren, NC State is taking a major gamble in hopes of elevating its football program to new heights. The move also sets up an intriguing ACC rivalry between Rivers and North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, bringing two familiar NFL names together in college football. Adding another twist, Rivers will have the opportunity to coach his son, Gunner Rivers, a four-star quarterback committed to NC State. Is Philip Rivers the right choice to lead the Wolfpack? Can the former NFL star succeed as a first-time college head coach? Chadwick examines the risks, potential rewards, and excitement surrounding the first major hire of the 2026 college football coaching carousel. Use PFN's FREE CFB Playoff Predictor → Hit subscribe → MORE FREE PFN TOOLS CFB Impact Rankings → NFL Mock Draft Simulator → NFL Playoff Predictor → #PhilipRivers #NCState #CollegeFootball #CoachingCarousel #BillBelichick #PFN