N.C. State Fires Coach Dave Doeren After 14 Seasons

N.C. State fired football coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, ending his 14-season tenure with the program. Doeren, 54, leaves as the school's all-time winningest coach with a 98-74 record.

The decision was announced less than a day after the Wolfpack lost on the road to Stanford. Stanford was picked to finish last in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The loss dropped N.C. State to a 3-4 record.

“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to N.C. State, and for always representing the university with pride.”

Doeren entered the season as the fourth-longest-tenured coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He was second in the ACC behind Clemson's Dabo Swinney. He became the program's winningest coach following a 2023 victory over Miami.

Athletic director Boo Corrigan thanked Doeren for his service and contributions to the university. Corrigan praised Doeren's leadership and passion during his 14-year tenure. He wished Dave, his wife Sara, and his family the best in the future.

Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. Doeren was under contract through December 2029.

The school will owe Doeren $9.75 million in base salary for the remaining years. Additional payments for the 2026 calendar year could push that figure past $10 million.

Despite 11 bowl bids and a 9-4 record against rival North Carolina, N.C. State never played for an ACC championship. The program reached the 10-win threshold only once in its history.