newsobserver
NC State has dismissed head football coach Dave Doeren after 14 seasons, the university announced on Saturday. The decision came just hours after the Wolfpack's 31-28 defeat at Stanford, a loss that dropped the team to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play.
Athletic director Boo Corrigan, who had been courtside at the men's basketball exhibition game against Lenoir-Rhyne earlier in the day, declined to comment when approached by reporters at halftime, saying only "Nope" before walking toward the tunnel. He returned to watch the remainder of the game, and three hours later, the program confirmed Doeren's termination.
Doeren, who was the fourth-longest tenured coach in FBS and second-longest in the ACC behind Clemson's Dabo Swinney, compiled a 98-73 record at NC State and 121-78 overall. He led the Wolfpack to 11 bowl appearances, including five consecutive from 2014 to 2018.
"I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC 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."
Special teams coordinator and running backs coach Todd Goebbel has been named interim head coach. The university will begin a national search for a permanent replacement.
Season Marred by Stunning Collapse
The Wolfpack's 2025 campaign included a historically painful loss at Vanderbilt in Week 3. NC State led for 59 minutes and 59 seconds, but Vanderbilt recovered a fumble in the end zone after CJ Bailey coughed up the football, securing the win. According to statistical data, FBS teams had been 1,046-1 over the past 20 years when leading and in possession with 10 seconds remaining; the Wolfpack became the lone exception.
Doeren's tenure was marked by consistency but also by a ceiling that the program could not break through. NC State never won 10 or more games under his watch—a feat last achieved by the late Chuck Amato in 2002—and never captured an ACC championship. The team went 1-8 against SEC opponents during his time.
Still, the Wolfpack finished with a winning record in 10 seasons and reached eight or more wins in eight seasons, including four straight from 2020 to 2024, a first in program history. Lou Holtz previously had three consecutive seasons of eight-plus wins.
There were low points, notably a 4-8 finish in 2019. A five-game regular-season winning streak in 2023 helped the team finish 9-4 after a 4-3 start. In 2024, NC State ended 6-7 after a Military Bowl loss to East Carolina, with four defeats by one possession. The 2025 team started 3-0, then lost four of five before winning four of its last five, including a bowl victory, to finish with eight wins.
Player Development and Community Impact
Despite the lack of a flashy season, Doeren's staff developed numerous NFL-caliber players. Under his leadership, 29 players were selected in the NFL Draft, including first-round picks Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu (Carolina Panthers), Garrett Bradbury (Minnesota Vikings) and Bradley Chubb (Denver Broncos). Other draftees include Justin Joly (Denver Broncos), Anthony Belton (Green Bay Packers), Payton Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Alim McNeill (Detroit Lions). Every former NC State player on a 2026 NFL training camp roster played at least part of their career under Doeren.
Off the field, Doeren was active in the community. He attended a local church and supported inclusivity efforts, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent individuals. He promoted 321 Coffee, a local company that employs people with disabilities, and provided start-up funding for a program aiding neurodivergent NC State students. Doeren also fostered a longstanding partnership with Gigi's Playhouse, hosting participants at the team facility during game weeks and holding an annual Victory Day where they experienced football drills and celebrations over the Carter-Finley Stadium PA system.
Doeren was hired in 2013. His buyout is $9.75 million, per his contract, though the university is only responsible for the remaining annual salary multiplied by the three years left on the deal, plus applicable bonuses, not supplemental income.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
Originally reported by newsobserver.