NC State dismisses football coach Dave Doeren after 14 seasons

NC State announced on Saturday that head football coach Dave Doeren was dismissed, ending a 14-year tenure that produced a 98-74 record and made him the winningest coach in program history. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Wolfpack fell 31-28 to Stanford on Friday.

Athletics director Boo Corrigan said, "> I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride. I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and his family the best in the future."

Doeren, who remains under contract through Dec. 31, 2029, could be owed roughly $9.75 million in remaining base salary. Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel, who has been on the staff since 2019, will serve as interim head coach while the university conducts a national search for a permanent replacement.

In his post-game press conference after the Stanford loss, Doeren said, "> A lot of takeaways. It starts with me. The guys didn’t play well enough, which means I didn’t have them ready. It wasn't good enough...not even close."

The defeat marked NC State’s second consecutive loss, following a 38-14 home loss to Wake Forest earlier in the month. The team entered the season with expectations of competing for an ACC championship but has struggled, posting a 3-4 overall record and 1-3 in conference play after seven games. Upcoming home games include California, Duke and Syracuse, with the schedule concluding on the road at Florida State and rival North Carolina.

Corrigan, who previously opposed midseason coaching changes, now faces his second major coaching search of the year after the spring departure of men’s basketball coach Will Wade.