NC State fires head coach Dave Doeren in massive $10.3 million shakeup

The woes continue for North Carolina State football.

Seven games into the 2026 season, the program is firing head coach Dave Doeren, the school confirmed.

The ousting comes after the Wolfpack suffered a brutal 31-28 loss to Stanford on Friday, putting them at 3-4 on the year.

“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” NC State Director of Athletics Boo 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.”

Corrigan also revealed that Todd Goebbel, the Wolfpack’s running backs coach/special teams coordinator, will be serving as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, former eight-time Pro Bowl NFL quarterback — and Wolfpack alum — Phillip Rivers could be a name to watch as NC State’s head coach next season, with his son, Gunner, committed to play there next season.

Doeren, who still had three years left on his deal at NC State, will be owed a whopping $10.3 million from the school.

Doeren was at the helm of NC State’s football program for 14 years, first being hired by the school ahead of the 2012 season.

During his time at NC State, Doeren finished with a 98-73 record and a 52-57 record in the ACC, posting 10 winning seasons with 11 bowl appearances.

This season, however, has been disappointing for the Wolfpack, as they hold a 1-4 record against Power Four opponents.