NC State dismisses head coach Dave Doeren after 3-4 start to 2026 season

North Carolina State University announced on Saturday that head football coach Dave Doeren has been dismissed after the Wolfpack began the 2026 season with a 3-4 record. Athletic director Boo Corrigan thanked Doeren for his service, noting his 14-year tenure and the "leadership" he provided, and said the university wishes him and his family well.

The school also terminated general manager Andy Vaughn, according to a report from On3. Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach.

Doeren, who took over the program in 2013, left with a 98-74 overall record, the most wins in school history. While the team did not win an ACC championship under his leadership, it appeared in ten bowl games.

The Wolfpack entered the season with expectations after the return of quarterback CJ Bailey but struggled early, losing two of their first three games, including a 34-8 loss to Virginia. After a brief improvement to 3-2 with victories over Appalachian State and Louisville, the team allowed 69 points in consecutive defeats to Wake Forest and Stanford. NC State currently ranks second-worst in the ACC for scoring defense, conceding 28.1 points per game.