NC State’s coaching search now has two familiar names helping steer the process.
Former Wolfpack linebacker and Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Cowher, along with former NC State defensive back Dewayne Washington, will serve as counsel as athletics director Boo Corrigan works to hire the program’s next head coach. The move comes as the Wolfpack begin a confidential, national search to replace Dave Doeren.
Both men know the program well. Cowher has remained connected to NC State over the years, showing up at practices and being recognized during football games as he continues to support his alma mater. Washington has also maintained a strong tie to the school, along with his wife, Adama, after the couple made a $1 million transformational gift in 2021 to the CHASS department and the football program, an investment that resulted in Washington’s name being placed on the locker room.
Their connection goes beyond NC State, too. Cowher coached Washington in Pittsburgh when Washington played cornerback for the Steelers from 1998 through 2003.
The university’s full message laid out how the search will work and framed the next chapter for the program. Corrigan and Chancellor Kevin Howell said the athletic department has spent the past several days working to stabilize and support football student-athletes and staff while beginning the coaching search.
“Our football program boasts a proud tradition of excellence that includes numerous NFL players, 37 bowl appearances, 10 NFF Hall of Famers, nine national award winners and numerous All-Americans. After 14 seasons leading the Wolfpack, we thank Dave Doeren for his commitment to NC State and for strengthening the foundation of our program. We believe this is the right time for a new chapter, with fresh leadership and renewed energy to elevate Wolfpack Football to the next level.”
The letter also pointed to the program’s expectations moving forward, saying NC State aims to compete at an elite level, challenge for ACC Championships and position itself for the College Football Playoff year in and year out.
It also made clear the university is prepared to support the hire with financial backing, infrastructure and NIL resources.
“Our top priority remains the young men on our roster and our incoming recruits, ensuring they have our complete support.”
For now, interim head coach Todd Goebbel will lead the team through the rest of the season. Corrigan and Howell said they are confident in his leadership and urged continued support for the players.
The letter, signed by Corrigan and Howell, marks the first public communication from NC State Athletics leadership outside the coaching staff and players since Doeren’s firing.
In Other News...
NC State Now Faces One Test After A Stunning Program Shakeup
A difficult road loss to Stanford has left NC State trying to regroup after a major staff overhaul, one that has changed the feel of the program in a hurry. With the Wolfpack moving into preparation for its upcoming home game against California, the message from inside the building has been about tightening up the details that have slipped away, especially when it comes to closing out games.
Tight end Preston Douglas said the focus now is on finishing plays, drives and games, a familiar football refrain that has taken on extra weight in Raleigh this week. The next step is about more than just getting back on the field, though, because the Wolfpack is also sorting through a new structure on defense and trying to turn a turbulent stretch into something steadier before the schedule moves on. [Read more 🡒]
NC State Just Sent A Strong Message About Its Next Coach
NC States coaching search took a more public turn this week when Chancellor Kevin Howell and athletic director Boo Corrigan laid out the direction of the program in a letter to fans after Dave Doerens firing. The note was aimed at setting expectations as the Wolfpack begin the process of finding their next football coach, and it was clear the university wants this move to feel like more than a routine reset.
The letter also signaled how serious the school intends to be about the hire, pointing to financial investment in the program and a search group built with some recognizable football voices in the mix. Howell and Corrigan framed the job as one that has to keep NC State in the hunt at the top of the ACC, and the message to supporters was that the next coach will be expected to arrive with championship-level ambitions already in place. [Read more 🡒]
Florida States ACC Push Now Rests On One Huge QB Question
Quarterback play continues to shape the ACC race, and Week 8 offered another reminder of how quickly one position can swing a teams entire outlook. The latest conference round-up put a spotlight on the quarterbacks who are driving results, with recent games, stat lines and upcoming Week 9 matchups all feeding into a ranked look at the leagues most impactful passers.
For NC State, the most immediate context is the sting of another close conference loss, one that added to the pressure around a season already full of questions. The Wolfpack have now become part of the wider ACC conversation not just because of what happened on the field, but because of what their next stretch means for a program trying to steady itself while the leagues top teams keep chasing separation. [Read more 🡒]