NC State just made a move that left its own fan base shaking its head in disbelief. Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson interviewed for the vacant head coaching job at his alma mater. This spot became open after the school fired Dave Doeren on October 24 following a rough 3-4 start to the season. Wilson played there from 2008 to 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin for his final year. The school now has two former NFL stars, Wilson and Philip Rivers, as the top names for the job.
The reaction from fans was quick and harsh. One supporter slammed the process by saying, according to Yahoo Sports, “This has to be the worst job search of all time.” Another stunned fan added, “Man. Did not see that coming.” The anger stems from the fact that Wilson has never coached football at any level. He is a major media figure now, but he lacks the formal experience that most programs demand. Meanwhile, his rival Philip Rivers has spent six years coaching high school and has his own son in the team’s quarterback pipeline.
The Search Looks Like a Joke
Supporters feel the school is not taking the hire seriously. One fan joked that an NC State message board might be making all the big decisions. Another quipped that Wilson brings a Super Bowl ring while Rivers brings a minivan full of future recruits. A third person called the move “trolling” with the job. The school fired a coach who served for 14 years, yet it seems to be looking at options that do not fit the long-term plan. The program needs a rebuild, not a media stunt.
Wilson was a great player, but his NFL career ended after a slow decline in 2025. He retired after the 2025 season. Now he wants to lead a college team with no prior coaching stops. This is a huge risk for a program that needs stability. The fans know that a head coach needs to teach, not just talk. Rivers at least has a track record of working with young players in a high school setting. Wilson has only played the game, never taught it.
Why Fans Are Losing Patience
The frustration goes beyond just one name. It is about the direction of the entire football program. Doeren was arguably the greatest coach in school history, yet he was let go after a bad start. Now the school is considering a former player with zero coaching experience. This feels like a gamble that could cost the team years of progress. One fan noted that the move shows the school is just “trolling with that job, fairs.”
It is hard to build a winning culture when the leadership seems unsure. The fans want a coach who can handle the pressure and the daily grind of college football. They do not need a celebrity who wants to try something new. The gap between a media star and a head coach is wide. Wilson might have the name, but does he have the skills to lead a team through a tough season? The fans are not convinced. They want a leader who knows the job, not just the fame.
The Path Forward Is Unclear
The school must decide between a known quantity and a risky bet. Rivers has the high school experience and family ties to the area. Wilson has the fame and the Super Bowl ring. But fame does not win games on the field. The fans are right to be worried. A wrong hire here could set the program back even further. The school needs to find a coach who can build a team, not just fill a headline.
