Could Russell Wilson trade CBS Sports analyst role for an NC State coaching job?(Getty Images)
On October 24, the university announced that it had relieved Dave Doeren of his duties. The decision came less than a day after the Wolfpack lost 31-28 to Stanford, dropping their season record to 3-4. On June 3, 2026, he announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons. He also confirmed his move to CBS Sports, where he joined The NFL Today as an analyst for the 2026 season.
His potential return to Raleigh comes after a major change at NC State. Wilson’s coaching interview comes at an interesting point in his career.
The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback interviewed for NC State’s vacant head coaching position on November 3, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the development on November 3 through his X account. Wilson threw for 3,175 yards and 33 touchdowns during his only season with the Badgers. He then entered the 2012 NFL Draft, where the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round.
The development comes just five months after Wilson announced his NFL retirement and joined CBS Sports as an analyst. He revealed that Wilson had interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at NC State. CBS announced that Wilson would join host James Brown, former NFL head coach Bill Cowher and retired wide receiver Nate Burleson on its Sunday pregame show.
Russell Wilson could be heading back to college football, but this time as a coach. Now, the Super Bowl champion could have another football career waiting for him at the school where he spent three seasons. Schefter also mentioned another familiar name in the race, former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers. Both Wilson and Rivers played for the Wolfpack during their college careers. Their presence in the coaching search gives NC State two candidates with NFL experience and direct connections to the programme. The move worked out well for the quarterback. Wilson has plenty of playing experience, but becoming a head coach would bring responsibilities beyond understanding the quarterback position. He would have to manage an entire programme, build a coaching staff and oversee recruiting and player development.