For weeks it has seemed all but apparent that NC State would hire legendary alum Philip Rivers to be the program’s 37th head football coach, and the saga is nearing its end.
After On3 had initially reported that Rivers and the Wolfpack were finalizing a contract Sunday, Chris Low and Pete Nakos confirmed Wednesday that the former quarterback has accepted the open position.
NC State has a previously scheduled Board of Trustees meeting slated for Friday, which is when the school is anticipated to formally approve the contract and make an official announcement.
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Prior to his legendary NFL career, Rivers suited up for the Wolfpack from 2000-2003, throwing for over 13,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns while earning multiple All-ACC honors and eventually having his No. 17 jersey retired at the school. Regarded as one of the greatest to ever wear an NC State uniform, Rivers helped lead the program to four straight bowl appearances and its last double-digit-win season (2002).
He of course then went on to spend 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 and briefly in 2025.
The Wolfpack alum has spent the past six years leading the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals, having guided them to a 48-21 overall record and a pair of AHSAA playoff-semifinal appearances over that span. He also briefly interviewed for the Buffalo Bills’ head-coach opening earlier this year before pulling out of the search.
Philip’s son, Gunner, is also currently committed to play for NC State beginning next spring. Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, the veteran quarterback is on track to follow in his father’s footsteps up in Raleigh.
Parker is currently the sports editor for Gulf Coast Media in Foley, Alabama. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
