AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
N.C. State football is on the hunt for a new football coach for the first time in 14 years.
Read more A plane crash, Richard Petty and a royal visit — Today in Triangle History
The Wolfpack fired Dave Doeren this weekend, following the team’s 31-28 loss at Stanford, sending shockwaves throughout the program.
The university announced additional changes after Doeren’s dismissal and said it would conduct a national search for his replacement.
It has been a wild three days since the coaching change became official. Here are answers to frequently asked questions.
N.C. State fired Dave Doeren as head football coach on Saturday, Oct. 24. It announced the decision publicly at approximately 6 p.m.
According to Doeren’s contract, the buyout without cause is an estimated $9.75 million. He is owed his salary at the time of termination multiplied by the number of full and partial contract years remaining.
Doeren finished with a 98-74 record overall and 52-58 in the ACC.
Special teams coordinator and running backs coach Todd Goebbel. The eight-year Wolfpack assistant was selected to guide the team through the rest of the season and received notification on Saturday evening. Athletic Director Boo Corrigan called Goebbel about the change.
Goebbel was the first person at N.C. State to publicly address Doeren’s firing. He spoke with the media on Monday, saying he was humbled and honored to be Doeren’s successor — even if it ends up being temporary.
“I got a lot of love and respect for him, and working with him for eight years, the amount I learned,” Goebbel said. “The one thing I told him is, ‘At the end of the day, I’m going to be myself, but you’ve laid an unbelievable culture and foundation here.’ The transition is seamless as long as I carry on his message and continue to respect what he’s built.”
The program also fired defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach DJ Eliot on Sunday. Eliot joined the program in 2025, but the defense never consistently improved. It ranked among the lower half of FBS in both seasons.
N.C. State co-defensive coordinator Charlton Warren will call defensive plays. He called plays against Virginia Tech and Campbell in 2025, following the death of Eliot’s daughter. N.C. State went 1-1 with Warren calling plays and allowed a combined 33 points.
Read more Manhunt for NC murder suspect crisscrossed state until he was found on a hog farm
In addition to Goebbel and Warren, the Wolfpack staff features Kurt Roper (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Joker Phillips (assistant head coach/wide receivers), Garrett Tujague (offensive line/run game), Gavin Locklear (tight ends), Brian Mitchell (cornerbacks), Elisha Shaw (defensive tackles), Isaiah Moore (inside linebackers) and Zac Roper (special teams coach/running backs).
Corrigan did not hold a press conference after Doeren’s termination, however, he included a statement in the press release.
“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to N.C. State, and for always representing the university with pride,” 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.”
Doeren had an opportunity to speak directly with some members of the team, including quarterback CJ Bailey, several players said during a press conference on Monday night. The entire team was then notified.
Doeren addressed the entire team on Sunday, expressing his appreciation and encouraging the players to finish the season on a high note.
Quarterback CJ Bailey, running back Duke Scott, defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley and linebacker Popo Aguirre also spoke on behalf of the players.
Bailey said the team was shocked the decision happened in the middle of the season. They all expressed appreciation, support and love for their now-former coach.
“I want to say I’m thankful for Coach Doeren and everything he’s done for us in this program,” Scott said. “I just wish him the best in everything he has going on. There’s nothing but good things I can say about him. I appreciate the opportunity that he’s given me to be here and a lot of love for Coach.”
N.C. State legend Philip Rivers is a fan favorite to replace Doeren. His son, Gunner, is also a Class of 2027 commit.
Jason Eck (New Mexico), Shannon Dawson (Miami OC), Mike Shanahan (Indiana OC), Buster Faulkner (Florida OC), Charles Huff (Memphis) and Glenn Schumann (Georgia DC) are among the coaches who have been named as potential replacements.
Read more Raleigh car crash and Wendy’s bankruptcy lead to closed restaurants. What to know