Russell Wilson’s NC State hopes crushed as Philip Rivers closes in on head coach job amid former Seahawks star’s CBS career shift

Russell Wilson appeared to have an unexpected chance to return to NC State, but his hopes of becoming the Wolfpack's next head coach are fading. The university is reportedly closing in on Philip Rivers, another former quarterback with a strong connection to the program. The development puts Wilson's brief coaching opportunity in doubt and leaves his new career in television as his immediate focus.Wilson had interviewed for the job after retiring from the NFL, but Rivers now appears to have moved ahead in the race. The former Los Angeles Chargers star brings something Wilson does not: six seasons of experience as a head coach. Philip Rivers emerges as NC State's top choice over Russell WilsonAccording to On3's Chris Low, Pete Nakos and Noah Fleischman, NC State is finalising an agreement with Rivers to become its next head coach. The report surfaced on November 8, just two days after Rivers' high school team saw its season end.Rivers spent the past six seasons coaching St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. His team lost 42-35 to Glenwood in the first round of the Alabama state playoffs on November 6. The defeat brought his high school coaching campaign to an end and opened the door for a possible return to college football.Speaking to WRAL after the game, Rivers reflected on what he had achieved with the programme."We didn’t have a stadium a few years ago. If it were to be the last time out here, shoot, a lot was accomplished."Rivers also has a strong connection to NC State. He played for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003 and finished his college career with 13,484 passing yards and 95 touchdowns. He remains one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in the programme's history.There is another reason why his potential appointment has attracted attention. His son, Gunner Rivers, is a four-star quarterback recruit in the 2027 class who committed to NC State in February. That could create an unusual father-son connection in Raleigh if the hiring goes through.However, the university's Board of Trustees still needs to review and approve the contract terms before NC State can officially announce Rivers as its next head coach. Russell Wilson's coaching opportunity takes a hit after NC State interviewWilson had also emerged as a serious candidate for the position. The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback played for NC State from 2008 to 2010 and made a lasting impression during his time there.In 2008, he became the first freshman quarterback in the 55-year history of the ACC to earn First-Team All-ACC honours. His college achievements made a possible return to Raleigh an interesting prospect.ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on November 3 that Wilson had interviewed for the vacant head coaching position. The news came as a surprise, considering Wilson had only recently stepped away from his playing career.During an appearance on NBC's Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Wilson addressed the possibility of coaching his former college team."Well, listen, when your alma mater calls, you always answer. Listen, I love doing what I’m doing."Wilson's response showed that he was open to hearing from NC State, although he also expressed his interest in his current television career. He joined CBS Sports as an analyst on The NFL Today after retiring in June 2026 following 14 NFL seasons.The coaching experience also gave Rivers an advantage. Wilson has never coached at any level, while Rivers has spent six seasons managing a high school programme and developing young players.NC State opened the position after firing Dave Doeren on October 24. Doeren finished his 14-season tenure with 98 victories, the most by any head coach in programme history.Now, the Wolfpack appear close to choosing Rivers over Wilson. While the former Seahawks star's interview briefly raised the possibility of an NFL-to-college coaching move, his immediate future remains in the CBS studio. Rivers, meanwhile, could soon return to the programme where his own college football journey began.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.