Russell Wilson could be trading a TV studio for a Saturday sideline. Reports surfaced Tuesday, via NFL insider Adam Schefter, that the 37-year-old former Super Bowl champion interviewed for the open NC State head coaching job.
The Wolfpack fired Dave Doeren on Oct. 24 after a 3-4 start. Athletic director Boo Corrigan is reportedly targeting two program icons in the search, Wilson and Philip Rivers.
After retiring from the NFL in June following 14 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, and a ring in Seattle, Wilson is barely two months into his CBS studio role and already eyeing a return to college football.
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Wilson started in Raleigh in 2008 and played through 2010, until then-coach Tom O’Brien picked Mike Glennon when Wilson refused to give up baseball. He transferred to Wisconsin, won a Big Ten title, went in the third round to Seattle, and built a Hall of Fame career. Today, the program that pushed him out wants him back in charge.
Then there is Rivers. The 44-year-old has spent the last six seasons coaching St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama to consecutive state semifinals. Rivers reportedly told NC State he wants to finish his high school season first.
Though Wilson is a hot name to target, he has never coached a single snap at any level. Hiring a first-time coach is a wild roll of the dice, but the modern game is driven by NIL money and roster management. Wilson has the name recognition to lock down booster support.
Before transferring to Wisconsin, Wilson accounted for 93 total touchdowns in Raleigh.
In the pros, he piled up nearly 47,000 career passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, a Super Bowl ring and a Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
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Targeting Wilson proves NC State wants national attention and booster money above all else, leaving the question of whether he can actually run a sideline to be answered later.
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