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NC State Fires Coach Dave Doeren After 14 Seasons
Confirmed
In Short: NC State has fired football coach Dave Doeren after a disappointing 3-4 start to the season.
NC State announced on Saturday the firing of head football coach Dave Doeren after 14 seasons, following a 3-4 start to the 2026 season.
Doeren, who took over the Wolfpack in 2013, was the program's winningest coach with a 95-70 record, leading NC State to 10 winning seasons and 11 bowl appearances in the last 12 years.
Despite his success, NC State never achieved the level of competitiveness needed to win at the highest level under Doeren's leadership. The program's best season was in 2002 under Chuck Amato, with Philip Rivers leading the team to a 10-win record.
The latest disappointment came in a 31-28 loss to Stanford on Friday, where NC State allowed 303 yards and four touchdowns to Cardinal quarterback Davis Warren.
Athletic director Boo Corrigan thanked Doeren for his service and contributions to the university, noting his consistent performance over the years.
Doeren's tenure saw the program struggle in the NIL era, and the Wolfpack's 3-4 start this season was seen as a significant setback.
NC State will now begin a nationwide search for Doeren's replacement, with running backs coach Todd Goebbel taking over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Doeren's contract stipulates he will be owed $10.3 million, a significant financial burden for the program as it seeks a new coach.
The firing marks the first coaching search for NC State since 2012, highlighting the need for a fresh approach to elevate the program's performance.
Doeren acknowledged his responsibility for the team's recent struggles, stating, 'The guys didn’t play well enough which means I didn’t have them ready.'
What this adds
The decision to fire Doeren comes after a season that was expected to be a strong one, particularly with the breakout performance of quarterback CJ Bailey last year.
What's confirmed
- "I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride," NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said.
- "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."
What's still developing
- Last season showed promise during an 8-5 season headlined by breakout quarterback CJ Bailey.
- And as the NIL era got underway, Doeren struggled to keep the program moving forward.
- He led NC State to four nine-win seasons, each tied for the second-best mark in program history.
- Doeren never won more than nine games in a season, and the Wolfpack never made it to an ACC championship game.
- Vanderbilt, and endured a flurry of injuries that have left the Wolfpack below.500.
- (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Doeren went 98-73 at NC State after going 23-4 with Northern Illinois.
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- The announcement comes a day after the Wolfpack fell to 3-4 on the season after losing to Stanford, 31-28.
- "It starts with me," Doeren said after Friday's loss.