NC State appoints Philip Rivers as head football coach with five-year, $18.25 million contract
Philip Rivers has been hired as NC State's football head coach on a five-year deal worth $18.25 million, including base salary, supplemental pay and performance incentives.
NC State announced Friday that former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers will serve as the university's next football head coach after the Board of Trustees approved his contract. The five-year agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2031 and provides a total compensation of $18.25 million. Rivers will receive a base salary of $2,437,500 per season plus $812,500 in supplemental compensation, totaling $3.25 million in the first year, with annual increases of at least $200,000.
The contract includes a range of performance bonuses. Academic incentives allow Rivers to earn up to $300,000 per year for meeting graduation and progress metrics. On-field bonuses start at $50,000 for eight wins and rise to $250,000 for a 12-win season, with additional payouts for bowl appearances, College Football Playoff participation and a national championship. Coaching awards also carry bonuses, including $50,000 for ACC Coach of the Year and $100,000 for national Coach of the Year honors.
Additional benefits listed in the agreement comprise two courtesy vehicles, tickets to football and men's basketball games, and travel provisions for his spouse and dependents.