NC State dismisses Dave Doeren after 14 seasons without a 10-win campaign

NC State football has dismissed head coach Dave Doeren, ending a 14-year tenure defined by stability rather than elite success.

Doeren, who took over in December 2012 after leaving Northern Illinois, guided the Wolfpack to seven or more victories in ten of his 14 seasons. He never reached a 10-win record. Despite these results, program attendance has remained near capacity for multiple years, and the team appeared in the AP Poll in most seasons from 2017 to 2024. Doeren added approximately 100 wins to the program record. His teams defeated No. 9 Clemson in double overtime and dominated No. 8 Georgia Tech in recent memory. He also compiled a 9-4 record against the University of North Carolina, a winning streak that continues to this day.

The coaching change follows a Tuesday, October 27 press conference where Doeren reflected on his time in Raleigh. "For 14 years I’ve had the total honor of working with a lot of amazing young men," Doeren said. "Coaching them, leading them, mentoring them, sharing highs and lows." He noted that the current landscape of college football has shifted due to the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness money. "There’s haves and have-nots when it comes to how much money schools have," Doeren said. "It’s sad to say, but that’s where football is now."

Former Athletic Director Debbie Yow described Doeren as a "man of integrity" and a "player’s coach" when she announced his hiring. Doeren embraced the label, frequently praising his players' character over their game-time performance. He advocated for student-athletes, writing to a federal judge this year to secure eligibility for fifth-year defensive lineman Katron Evans during a family hardship. Off the field, Doeren and his wife Sara founded OnePack Empowered, a program supporting students with executive functioning challenges. He also co-organized an annual "Victory Day" event with GiGi’s Playhouse, a local nonprofit for individuals with Down syndrome.

Doeren’s early years at NC State included a three-win first season, a dip that aligned with his long-term rebuilding plan. However, the team often struggled to close out seasons, dropping late games to Wake Forest and other opponents. Critics noted his media appearances became ornery in later years, with observers suggesting he checked out for portions of each season. Despite these criticisms, the program maintained strong fan support. Doeren stated he leaves without grudges. "I completely love this place, and I want to see this place shock the world," he said.

The departure marks the end of an era where consistency was the primary goal. Doeren skipped a New Year’s Six bowl game at Northern Illinois to join NC State, a move that never yielded a top-tier bowl appearance under his leadership. The next coach will inherit a program with high expectations and a devoted fan base.