NC State is making some strategic moves behind the scenes, reshuffling its defensive staff in a way that keeps continuity intact while setting the stage for long-term recruiting success. The headline? Veteran defensive line coach Charley Wiles is stepping into a new role as the Wolfpack’s Director of High School Relations - a shift that signals a deeper investment in building and maintaining relationships across the high school football landscape.
Wiles, who’s been coaching since 1989, brings a wealth of experience and a deep Rolodex to his new position. From East Tennessee State and Murray State to a long tenure at Virginia Tech and, more recently, NC State, Wiles has built decades’ worth of trust with high school coaches - the kind of trust that pays dividends on the recruiting trail. With Henry Trevathan retiring after more than a decade in the role, Wiles is a natural successor, stepping in to ensure the Wolfpack stays connected and competitive in the high school recruiting game.
But Wiles’ move also sets off a chain reaction on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator DJ Eliot will now take on coaching responsibilities for both defensive ends and JACK linebackers, in addition to his duties as the unit’s play-caller. That’s a significant expansion of Eliot’s on-field role, but it also speaks to the staff’s confidence in his ability to manage multiple layers of the defense.
Meanwhile, Elisha Shaw - who shared defensive line duties with Wiles last season - will now take full ownership of the interior, coaching defensive tackles and nose guards. Shaw’s promotion gives him a clearly defined position group and allows for more focused development along the defensive front.
And perhaps the most intriguing move? Former All-ACC linebacker Isaiah Moore is stepping into the spotlight as the new inside linebackers coach.
Moore spent last season as a quality control coach, learning the ropes from the sidelines. Now, he’s getting the headset and the position room, bringing not just familiarity with the program but also the kind of recent playing experience that resonates with today’s athletes.
Moore knows what it takes to succeed in this system - and now he gets to pass that knowledge on from the coach’s chair.
All told, this is a realignment that checks a lot of boxes. It keeps experienced voices in key roles, promotes from within to maintain internal culture, and reinforces NC State’s commitment to recruiting the right way - through relationships, consistency, and trust.
As the Wolfpack turns its attention to the 2026 season, the defensive staff is retooled but stable. Wiles shifts his focus from the trenches to the recruiting trail.
Eliot takes a broader on-field role. Shaw and Moore get their own rooms to lead.
And Dave Doeren once again shows he’s not afraid to evolve his staff while keeping the program’s core identity intact.