Philip Rivers meets with NC State officials about head football coach job

NC State officials traveled to Alabama on Wednesday to meet with Philip Rivers regarding the school's open head football coaching position, WRAL reported. Rivers, a former NC State quarterback and NFL player, confirmed the meeting to an Alabama news outlet.

Rivers currently coaches the St. Michael Catholic High School football team in Fairhope, Alabama, which recently advanced to the state playoffs, CBS17 reported. The NC State officials used a plane previously involved in coaching searches to reach Alabama, with a stop in Atlanta on the way.

NC State fired longtime head coach Dave Doeren on October 24 after 14 seasons, during which he became the program's all-time winningest coach with 98 wins, WRAL noted. The Wolfpack currently hold a 4-4 record this season.

Rivers has made calls about assembling a coaching staff, indicating serious interest in the position, according to On3 via WRAL. His ties to NC State and his local popularity could help energize the fan base and donors, CBS17 reported.

Another former NC State player, Russell Wilson, also interviewed for the head coaching job earlier this week, CBS17 added. Rivers' son is a high school senior committed to play at NC State next season, making the coaching role particularly appealing to him.

NC State will host Duke this Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium, WRAL reported, as the football program continues its search for a new head coach.