Philip Rivers could be headed back to North Carolina State, this time as its head football coach.

The former NFL quarterback and future Hall of Famer has emerged as the focus of the Wolfpack’s coaching search following the dismissal of Dave Doeren, On3 reported Friday night.

Rivers, 44, has several connections to the program, including his four-year playing career and his son’s commitment to join the Wolfpack in 2027.

NC State fired Doeren on Saturday after a 31-28 loss to Stanford that dropped the team to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Doeren compiled a 98-74 record over 14 seasons, becoming the winningest coach in program history. Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel was named interim coach.

“For this program to become what is wanted and expected, resources need to match expectations, that’s the reality,” Doeren said earlier this week of his tenure.

He later added: “Lastly, in my time, I hope my tenure can be something that our fans and alumni are proud of. In my 14 years, we never broke an NCAA rule. Our team GPA went from a 2.1 to a 3.1. We won 98 games. We packed our stadium, produced over 32 active NFL players, created one pack and powered, partnered and fostered Gigi’s Playhouse in Raleigh. 321 coffee, and those participants were a part of our victory today with our team. We beat our rival five years in a row.”

Rivers addressed speculation about the opening Monday but stopped short of expressing interest.

“Ton of respect and appreciation for coach Doeren and all he did for the University,” Rivers told AL.com. “I understand the chatter that’s out there, but we are getting ready for Foley and the playoffs.”

Rivers is a coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., where he has worked since 2021.

He has a 48-19 record through six seasons and guided the program to consecutive state semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025.

His oldest son, Gunner, is a four-star quarterback prospect and committed to NC State earlier this year.

Rivers remains one of the most accomplished players in Wolfpack history.

He threw for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns from 2000-03, setting school records that still stand. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 2003.

Selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers spent 16 seasons with the Chargers before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.

He finished his NFL career with 63,984 passing yards and 425 touchdowns, earning eight Pro Bowl selections.

Rivers also briefly returned to the NFL with Indianapolis during the 2025 season, making three starts, recording 544 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while going 0-3 as a starter.

Despite his playing accomplishments and high school coaching experience, Rivers has never coached at the college level.