Doeren cites resources and NIL changes as factors in NC State exit

Dave Doeren held a final press conference in Raleigh on Tuesday, three days after NC State announced his dismissal following a 31-28 loss to Stanford that left the team 3-4. In an 18-minute remarks without taking questions, the coach reflected on his tenure and the broader changes affecting college football.

"This is not how I wanted to go out," Doeren said, adding that few coaches leave on their own terms. He accepted full responsibility for the season’s disappointment, describing the job as both great and demanding.

Doeren highlighted the impact of the name-image-likeness (NIL) era and the transfer portal, noting that they have altered recruiting and retention dynamics. "Pre-NIL transfer portal, when I took this job, I knew what it was, and I felt like we had a plan," he explained, emphasizing that the new environment makes acquiring and keeping talent costly and uneven across schools.

He warned that for a program to meet its aspirations, "the resources need to match the expectations," urging future leadership to secure adequate support.

Doeren, who amassed a 98-74 record at NC State and became the program’s winningest coach, thanked reporters for covering his players and staff and indicated he would step away from the media for a while. He also confirmed he is owed $9.75 million for the remaining three years of his contract.

Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming game against California.

"I leave here with no grudges. I completely love this place, and we want to see this program shock the world. I'll always be cheering for the Wolfpack, I promise you that," Doeren concluded.