Since Dave Doeren was fired from NC State on Oct. 26, one name has been thrown around more than any other to replace the program's all-time wins leader: Philip Rivers.
Considered by many to be the greatest player to ever come from the Wolfpack, rumors have swirled stating that Rivers was the top candidate that NC State was looking into. However, Rivers is still coaching his high school team.
On Friday night, Ben Thomas of AL.com caught up with Rivers after St. Michael Catholic's 53-32 regular-season-ending loss to Foley (AL), and Rivers gave a pointed response to the rumors.
“There is nothing there at this point," Rivers told Thomas. "You understand the chatter that is out there. You take it one day at a time. I’m excited about this postseason
with these guys. Like I said last year, you never say never, but there is nothing imminent.”
St. Michael coach Philip Rivers on reports linking him to the head coaching job at his alma mater, N.C. State. pic.twitter.com/VqK0E6hfZq
— Ben Thomas (@BenThomasPreps) October 31, 2026
Rivers also spoke about how special the school is to him and the respect and admiration he had for Doeren, whose time with the Wolfpack ended with a program-record 98 wins.
Thomas asked Rivers whether his return to the NFL last season sparked a fire to compete at the next level. He was also in consideration for the Buffalo Bills opening but pulled his name from consideration in January after an interview with the team.
Rivers responded that while the situation with Buffalo was intriguing, he wasn't sure where he stood in the process, even if it was exciting. NC State is different, as it's a place he loves.
Playing for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003, Rivers set several program records that still stand today. NC State went 29-17 as he completed 64% of his passes for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns.
The New York Giants selected him with the fourth pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, then quickly traded him to the San Diego Chargers. From there, he spent 18 seasons in the NFL, throwing for 63,984 yards and 425 touchdowns.
Rivers retired from full-time play in the NFL in 2021 and was named the head coach at St. Michael Catholic that year. He's spent the last six seasons with the Cardinals and, over the last four, has coached his son Gunner, who is also an NC State commit.
Gunner suffered a knee injury in the Cardinals' season-opening loss and after a brief comeback near the end of the year, his dad decided to sit him for the remainder of the regular season.
Despite Friday's loss, which ended a six-game winning streak for the Cardinals, they enter the postseason with a 6-4 record, making it four straight years that the program will finish with a winning record under Rivers.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philip Rivers breaks silence on NC State football coaching rumors
