Russell Wilson, the former Super Bowl champion quarterback, has reportedly interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at NC State, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The report surfaced Tuesday.
NC State fired head coach Dave Doeren on Oct. 24 after the Wolfpack started the season 3-4. Athletic director Boo Corrigan is reportedly focused on two names with deep ties to the program in his search: Wilson and former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.
Wilson, 37, retired from the NFL in June after 14 seasons, 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl title with the Seattle Seahawks. He is currently working as an analyst in a CBS studio role he began just two months ago.
Before his professional career, Wilson played for NC State from 2008 through 2010. He left the program after then-head coach Tom O’Brien chose Mike Glennon as the starting quarterback when Wilson declined to give up baseball. Wilson transferred to Wisconsin, where he won a Big Ten title before being drafted in the third round by Seattle. While at NC State, he accounted for 93 total touchdowns.
Rivers, 44, has spent the last six seasons as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, leading the team to consecutive state semifinal appearances. He has reportedly told NC State he intends to finish his current high school season before considering the college job.
Wilson has never coached at any level, professional or collegiate, which would make him an unconventional hire for a Power Four program. Over his NFL career, he threw for nearly 47,000 passing yards and 353 touchdowns, and he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in addition to his Super Bowl ring.
NC State has not announced a timeline for naming Doeren’s replacement.
