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NC State Fires Dave Doeren After 3-4 Start, Names Todd Goebbel Interim Coach

NC State fired head football coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, less than a day after a 31-28 loss at Stanford dropped the Wolfpack to 3-4, and former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers is among the names expected to be considered for the job.

By admin Oct. 24, 2026 · 9:41 PM ET 1 min read

An empty college football stadium at dusk with floodlights on over a green field and goal posts.

NC State fired head football coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, the school announced, ending a 14-year tenure less than a day after a 31-28 loss at Stanford dropped the Wolfpack to 3-4.

Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season, the school said.

“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” athletic director Boo Corrigan said in a statement. “I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and his family the best in the future.”

A football resting on the grass near a yard line on an empty football field under stadium lights.

The winningest coach in program history

Doeren leaves as the winningest head coach in NC State history, with a 98-74 record over 14 seasons, according to the New York Post and theScore. His teams posted 10 winning seasons and made 11 bowl appearances.

The loss at Stanford on Friday night was the Wolfpack’s fourth of the season and left them 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

A coach's headset and a blank clipboard resting on a bench beside a football field.

What the buyout and the search look like

NC State still owes Doeren nearly $10.3 million, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who reported the amount is subject to offset and mitigation under his contract. Doeren had three years left on his deal.

Thamel also reported that former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL, is expected to be in the mix for the job. Rivers’ son, Gunner Rivers, is a quarterback recruit committed to play at NC State in the class of 2027.

A concrete stadium tunnel opening onto a green football field with stadium lights in the distance.

Reporting based on coverage by the New York Post, theScore and the Daily Caller.

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