NC State fired coach Dave Doeren on Saturday after 14 seasons with the Wolfpack, per the university.
After the team lost to Stanford on the road on Friday night and fell to 3-4 on the season, NC State decided a coaching change was needed.
Doeren's firing is the most high-profile exit from a college football coach this season so far, making the Wolfpack the best opening on the market (as of October). It's a good coaching job for an up-and-coming talent.
Who could take over for Doeren at NC State for the 2027 season and beyond? Let's go through some names.
Florida OC Buster Faulkner
Faulkner should be one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the country in the upcoming cycle. If he wants to return to the ACC (he coached at Georgia Tech before joining the Gators),
NC State could make for a promising destination. However, he may also get some bigger looks, given how Florida looks this season.
James Madison coach Billy Napier
Napier has revived his career at James Madison, which could spark interest for other programs in him returning to a Power 5 conference. The Wolfpack would be a tougher gig, but it could be his big second chance. Would he want it?
New Mexico coach Jason Eck
Eck is one of the biggest rising coaches in the country, as his New Mexico Lobos lead the Mountain West. NC State would be a real step up for Eck, who figures to be one of the most in-demand coaches in the upcoming cycle.
Indiana OC Mike Shanahan
If Shanahan wants to take his expected step up to the head coaching ranks, NC State could provide him the perfect opportunity. We figure Shanahan will get his fair share of interviews when the time comes.
Former NFL QB Philip Rivers
The NC State Wolfpack legend could be the perfect person to reenergize the fan base and improve the team's recruiting efforts. Plus, his son, Gunner Rivers, is an NC State quarterback commit. The elder Rivers is a high school coach in Alabama right now, but his extensive NFL experience as a star quarterback could give him a cerebral edge to hit the ground running. We're not counting him out as a splash hire.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 NC State coaching options after Dave Doeren fired, including Philip Rivers
