Russell Wilson might swap his current TV studio role for a sidelines position as NC State’s next head coach. According to reports by NFL insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday, Wilson, the 37-year-old former Super Bowl champion, interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at his alma mater, NC State. The Wolfpack recently dismissed head coach Dave Doeren following a 3-4 start to the season.
Athletic Director Boo Corrigan is considering two significant figures for the position, Wilson and Philip Rivers. Wilson retired from the NFL in June after a successful 14-season career that included ten Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks. Although new to his CBS studio role, Wilson is already contemplating a return to college football.
Wilson’s connection to NC State runs deep; he began his collegiate career there in 2008. However, after a stint with baseball, then-coach Tom O’Brien opted for Mike Glennon, leading Wilson to transfer to Wisconsin. At Wisconsin, Wilson captured the Big Ten title before being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by Seattle, where he achieved a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Rivers, another candidate for the position, has spent recent years coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, consistently reaching the state semifinals. Rivers, 44, informed NC State officials he plans to complete his high school coaching duties before considering the college role.
Although Wilson lacks coaching experience, NC State sees his appeal as a linchpin for securing booster support and making a mark with national attention. While hiring an inexperienced coach carries risks, the modern dynamics of college football fueled by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements make Wilson’s profile attractive.
During his time at NC State, Wilson contributed 93 touchdowns in total. His professional achievements include nearly 47,000 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, a Super Bowl title, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Though there is uncertainty about Wilson’s coaching capabilities, NC State’s interest indicates a quest for increased exposure and funding. Whether Wilson can succeed on the sideline remains an open question.
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