Image Source: NC State University Athletics
Dave Doeren is no longer the head football coach at NC State, with the university announcing a major leadership change on Saturday, October 24, 2026. McMurray Family Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan said Doeren had been relieved of his duties effective immediately.
The decision brings an end to Doeren’s 14-year tenure with the Wolfpack. NC State Athletics announced that Todd Goebbel, the program’s running backs coach and special teams coordinator, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Dave Doeren Relieved of Duties in Stunning NC State Move
In a statement, Corrigan thanked Doeren for his service and recognized the way he represented NC State during his time leading the football program.
“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” Corrigan said. “I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and his family the best in the future.”
The announcement came shortly after the Wolfpack’s latest game, with NC State Athletics listing a Saturday matchup against Stanford among its recent football news. The timing makes the coaching change one of the most significant developments of the 2026 season for the program.
A New Interim Leader for the Wolfpack
Goebbel will take charge immediately as NC State prepares to complete the remainder of its schedule. He has been a member of the Wolfpack coaching staff since 2019 and brings familiarity with the players, systems and day-to-day operation of the program.
His interim appointment provides NC State with continuity during an uncertain stretch. As running backs coach and special teams coordinator, Goebbel has worked closely with key position groups and will now oversee the entire team while the university evaluates its long-term options.
- Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach.
- His appointment covers the remainder of the 2026 season.
- Goebbel has been on the NC State staff since 2019.
- A national search for the next head coach begins immediately.
What Comes Next for NC State Football?
NC State Athletics confirmed that a national search for the school’s next head coach will begin immediately. The process could attract interest from coaches across college football, but the university did not identify candidates or provide a timeline for naming a permanent successor.
The search will be closely watched by players, recruits, alumni and Wolfpack supporters. A new head coach could influence the program’s recruiting approach, staff structure, offensive and defensive philosophy, and roster decisions in the coming offseason.
For now, the focus shifts to Goebbel and the current team. An interim coach must balance short-term preparation with the challenge of maintaining confidence inside the locker room. The players will also face questions about their future as NC State begins a new chapter.
Doeren’s Long Tenure Ends Abruptly
Doeren’s departure marks the conclusion of one of the longest coaching tenures in recent NC State football history. Over 14 seasons, he served as the public face of the Wolfpack program and helped shape its identity in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Corrigan’s statement emphasized Doeren’s commitment and passion, even as the university moved in a different direction. The decision reflects the high-pressure nature of college football, where coaching changes can arrive quickly after a team’s results fall short of expectations.
NC State has not announced whether Doeren will make additional public comments about his departure. The university’s immediate priorities are supporting the team, preparing for upcoming games and launching the national search for a permanent head coach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Doeren
Why was Dave Doeren relieved of his duties?
NC State Athletics announced that Dave Doeren had been relieved of his duties effective immediately. The statement did not provide additional details about the specific reasons behind the decision.
Who is NC State’s interim head coach?
Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. He has been NC State’s running backs coach and special teams coordinator and joined the staff in 2019.
How long was Dave Doeren NC State’s head coach?
Dave Doeren led the Wolfpack for 14 years before the university announced the change in leadership on October 24, 2026.
Will NC State hire a permanent head coach soon?
NC State Athletics said a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately. The university has not announced a timetable for completing the search.
