Philip Rivers Reportedly Finalizing Deal To Become Next NC State Head Coach

Former NFL Superstar And St. Michael Catholic Head Coach Reportedly Heading Back To Raleigh To Lead His Former College Program

RALEIGH, NC (BuzzReport)— A major coaching move could be unfolding in college football, and it involves one of the most recognizable quarterbacks of his generation.

Philip Rivers, former NFL superstar quarterback and current head football coach at St. Michael Catholic School in Fairhope, Alabama, is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head football coach of the North Carolina State University Wolfpack.

According to multiple reports from On3 Sports, NC State and Rivers are working toward an agreement that would bring the former Wolfpack standout back to Raleigh, North Carolina, this time as the leader of the football program.

If finalized, the move would represent a remarkable transition for Rivers, who has spent the past six seasons building his coaching career at the high school level in Alabama.

A Homecoming More Than Two Decades In The Making

For Rivers, this opportunity is much more than accepting a new coaching position. It represents a return to the university where he established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in program history.

Rivers played for NC State from 2000 through 2003, becoming the face of the Wolfpack football program. During his four seasons, he developed into one of the ACC’s most productive quarterbacks, throwing for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns.

His outstanding college career earned him ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2000 and ACC Player of the Year recognition in 2003. The university eventually retired his No. 17 jersey in recognition of his contributions to the program.

Now, more than 20 years after leaving Raleigh, Rivers could be returning to the same stadium where he once electrified Wolfpack fans.

From NFL Superstar To High School Head Coach

Before becoming a high school football coach, Rivers enjoyed an outstanding 18-season NFL career.

Selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers became the longtime face of the San Diego Chargers franchise before finishing his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

His professional accomplishments include:

• 63,984 career passing yards.
• 425 career touchdown passes.
• Eight Pro Bowl selections.
• 18 seasons in the NFL.
• One of the most productive passing careers in professional football history.

After stepping away from professional football, Rivers returned to his roots in coaching, taking over the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals program in Fairhope, Alabama, in 2021.

His impact on the program has been significant. Rivers helped develop the Cardinals into a competitive high school football team, guiding the program through multiple successful seasons and deep playoff runs.

St. Michael went 12-2 in 2024 and 13-1 in 2025, reaching the state semifinals in both seasons.

His final season with the Cardinals ended with a 42-35 playoff loss to Glenwood, finishing the 2026 campaign at 6-5.

Rivers leaves behind a program that experienced considerable growth during his tenure. On3 +1

His Son Could Join Him At NC State

Another interesting storyline surrounding the reported hiring involves Rivers’ oldest son, Gunner Rivers.

Gunner, a highly regarded four-star quarterback prospect, has already committed to play football at NC State as part of the university’s 2027 recruiting class.

The possibility of father and son being reunited in Raleigh could create one of the most talked-about family storylines in college football.

Gunner has spent his high school career playing under his father at St. Michael Catholic. If the reported coaching agreement becomes official, he could have the opportunity to continue his football development under his father’s leadership at the collegiate level.

A Major Opportunity And A Big Challenge

While Rivers brings an impressive football résumé, taking over an established Division I college football program presents an entirely different challenge.

NC State dismissed longtime head coach Dave Doeren in October after the Wolfpack struggled through the early portion of the 2026 season.

Doeren had led the program since 2013, and his departure created an opportunity for university officials to pursue a new direction.

Rivers would inherit a program with expectations of competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference and returning to national relevance.

Despite his extensive playing experience and growing coaching résumé, Rivers has never served as a head coach at the college or professional level.

That means his ability to assemble an experienced coaching staff, recruit top talent, navigate the transfer portal, and build a competitive roster will be among his biggest challenges.

Reports indicate Rivers has already begun contacting potential coaching staff candidates as discussions move forward. On3 +2

An Alabama High School Football Story With National Implications

For the St. Michael Catholic community and high school football fans across Alabama, the reported development represents a significant moment.

Rivers arrived in Fairhope with a legendary playing career behind him and helped establish himself as a successful high school coach.

Now, he could be preparing for an opportunity that would place him back in the national college football spotlight.

His departure would also leave St. Michael Catholic searching for the next leader of a football program that has experienced considerable success under his direction.

THE BIG QUESTION: CAN PHILIP RIVERS TURN HIS NFL EXPERIENCE, COLLEGE FOOTBALL LEGACY, AND ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL COACHING SUCCESS INTO A WINNING FORMULA AT NC STATE?

If the agreement is completed, Rivers will have the opportunity to accomplish something extraordinary: return to his alma mater and attempt to build another winning era for the Wolfpack.

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For now, the reported agreement remains in the finalization stage, with formal approval and an official university announcement still to come. Reuters +1

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