Russell Wilson interviews for NC State head coaching job, joining Philip Rivers in race

The race for the North Carolina State head coaching job took a sudden, high-profile turn Tuesday when ESPN reported that Russell Wilson interviewed for the position. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN ^[2], the 38-year-old former quarterback joined Philip Rivers as a prominent candidate for the Wolfpack opening.

This development comes just days after reports that Rivers had emerged as the primary focus of the search. The New York Post noted that On3 reported Rivers' involvement over the weekend ^[1]. The hiring process began after the university fired Dave Doeren on Oct. 24, following a 31-28 loss to Stanford that left the team with a 3-4 record.

Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, brings a star-studded résumé but zero coaching experience. He played three seasons at NC State from 2008 to 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin. His NFL career spanned 14 seasons, ending with his retirement in June to join CBS Sports as an analyst ^[2].

Rivers, who played at NC State from 2000 to 2003, is currently in his sixth season as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. Sources told ESPN that Rivers has informed NC State he intends to finish the high school season before making any decisions ^[2]. His son, Gunner, a four-star quarterback, has already committed to join the Wolfpack in 2027.

Rivers addressed the speculation via AL.com, expressing respect for fired coach Doeren and noting his focus on his current team’s playoff preparations ^[1]. Doeren finished his 14-season tenure at NC State with a 98-74 record.

Wilson’s interview adds complexity to a search that previously seemed centered solely on Rivers. While Rivers has coaching experience at the high school level, Wilson’s lack of it makes him an intriguing wildcard for a program looking to pivot. Both men share a deep connection to the university, having played for the Wolfpack in different eras.

With no timetable set for a final decision, the university faces a unique dilemma: hire a rising high school coach with a family legacy at the school, or take a massive gamble on an NFL icon with no coaching background. The next few weeks will determine whether NC State prioritizes immediate stability or a high-reward, unproven experiment.