North Carolina State University has dismissed head football coach Dave Doeren following the Wolfpack’s recent performances. The announcement came after a narrow 31-28 defeat to Stanford, leaving the team’s record at 3-4 for the season.
Athletic director Boo Corrigan expressed gratitude to Doeren, stating, I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride. I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, his wife Sara, and his family the best in the future.
The university revealed plans to commence a national search for a new head coach immediately. Doeren’s coaching career at NC State began in 2013, after two years at Northern Illinois. Although his first season ended with a 3-9 record, he managed to build the team into consistent bowl contenders.
Under his leadership, the Wolfpack participated in 11 bowl games over his 13 full seasons, with each of the last six seasons culminating in bowl appearances. However, this season the team stands at 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Following the loss to Stanford, Doeren commented, It starts with me. The guys didn’t play well enough which means I didn’t have them ready.
Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel, who joined the staff in 2019, will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The next phase for NC State begins on Halloween with a game against California.
In the wake of Doeren’s departure, he becomes the second coach to be dismissed in the current season, following the separation of Maryland and Mike Locksley earlier in the week.