St. Michael coach Philip Rivers addresses N.C. State coaching speculation

Philip Rivers, who is in his sixth year as head coach of St. Michael Catholic's football program, told AL.com that he is treating Monday as a "normal Monday" and concentrating on preparing his team for upcoming playoff games. Rivers' name has been mentioned as a possible successor to Dave Doeren, who was dismissed by N.C. State after a loss to Stanford.

Rivers expressed respect for Doeren, writing, "Ton of respect and appreciation for coach Doeren and all he did for the University." He added that he understands the media chatter but remains focused on his own team's schedule, which includes a regular-season finale against Foley and a Double-A playoff game against Glenwood on Nov. 6.

Athletic director Simon Cortopassi indicated that Monday's practice will not be open to the press. Rivers' son, Gunner, a four-star quarterback commit to N.C. State, suffered an injury early in the season and has been sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, according to Rivers.

Rivers, a Decatur, Alabama native and former N.C. State quarterback who holds the ACC career passing record, has compiled a 48-19 record at St. Michael Catholic and led the Cardinals to the Class 4A state semifinals in both 2024 and 2025. He previously interviewed for the Buffalo Bills head-coaching position after a brief return to the NFL as a player.

Richie Busby, coach of the Alabama team for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, confirmed that Rivers will not serve as the Alabama offensive coordinator for the Dec. 12 game, citing personal reasons without further detail.