Dave Doeren to Return as NC State Head Coach in 2026

NC State announced that Dave Doeren will return as head coach in 2026, extending his tenure as one of the longest-serving coaches in FBS. The decision follows a 7-5 regular season, highlighted by a dominant victory over in-state rival North Carolina, which reinforced the program’s upward trajectory.

Athletic director Boo Corrigan praised Doeren’s leadership, emphasizing the culture and player development he has built both on and off the field. “You can see his passion for this program and the student-athletes in how hard our team plays and competes,” Corrigan told The Associated Press.

Doeren entered the 2025 season tied with Kentucky’s Bob Stoops as the fifth-longest-tenured FBS head coach, both set to return for their 14th year. In the ACC, he ranks second only to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, solidifying his place among the league’s most established leaders.

While NC State has not contended for the ACC title in recent years, Doeren’s steady presence and program-building approach have set the Wolfpack on a consistent path of competitiveness and bowl eligibility.

1. 2025 Season Recap

NC State opened the 2025 campaign with a promising 3-0 start before struggling early in ACC play. A 36-7 loss to Notre Dame in Week 7 left the Wolfpack with a 4-3 record heading into their first bye week, raising questions about consistency. Despite early setbacks, the team rebounded with key wins over ranked opponents, including No. 8 Georgia Tech, Florida State, and North Carolina. Their only loss in the final stretch came at No. 11 Miami, demonstrating resilience against top-tier competition. The Wolfpack’s late-season surge showcased the growth of a young roster and provided a strong foundation for 2026. Doeren’s experience in guiding inexperienced teams proved crucial as they navigated the challenges of ACC play. Overall, the 7-5 record represents an improvement over 2024, when the team struggled following a season-ending injury to quarterback Grayson McCall, further illustrating the program’s steady development.

2. Doeren’s Legacy and Tenure

Doeren’s extended tenure at NC State reflects his ability to build a program around culture, player development, and competitive consistency. He has become a stabilizing presence in the ACC, second only to Dabo Swinney in league longevity. Over 13 seasons, Doeren has guided NC State to six consecutive bowl appearances, although the program has not won a postseason game since 2017. Maintaining bowl eligibility has become a hallmark of his leadership. His longevity allows him to develop recruiting pipelines and nurture talent within the program, creating continuity in coaching philosophy and team culture. This stability has been instrumental in navigating seasons with injuries and roster turnover. As he enters his 14th year, expectations will rise. Sustaining success in the ACC, competing with perennial powerhouses, and breaking the postseason win drought will be the key measures of his continued effectiveness.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

With a young core gaining experience in 2025, NC State enters 2026 with momentum. The team will aim to build on late-season victories and maintain its streak of bowl eligibility. Doeren’s focus on culture, discipline, and development will be critical as the Wolfpack attempt to take the next step in ACC competition. Key returning players, along with new recruits, will shape the team’s offensive and defensive identity. While an ACC title remains an ambitious goal, consistent improvement and strong performances against rival programs like North Carolina and Florida State will define the 2026 season. Doeren’s ability to sustain competitiveness while developing talent positions NC State for continued relevance in the ACC and sets the stage for potential postseason breakthroughs.