The Dave Doeren era at NC State has come to an end.
Doeren was fired Saturday, according to an announcement on the university’s athletics website. The 54-year-old compiled a 98-74 record in 14 seasons with the Wolfpack, becoming the winningest coach in program history.
“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” said NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan. “I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and their family the best for the future.”
Doeren was under contract through Dec. 31, 2029. The university could owe him approximately $9.75 million in remaining base salary under the terms of his contract.
Todd Goebbel will serve as head coach for the remainder of the season. Goebbel, who has been on the Wolfpack staff since 2019, is the running backs coach and special teams coordinator.
A national search for Doeren’s replacement is underway.
Doeren’s tenure has been marked by ups and downs, but Friday night’s 31-28 loss at Stanford may have been the final blow. The Cardinal entered the game with just three wins, against Hawaii, Georgia Tech and Elon. State fell behind 14-0 early, then 28-14, never taking the lead at any point.
It was the second straight loss for NC State, which struggled in the second half of a 38-14 home loss to Wake Forest earlier this month.
The Wolfpack entered the season with returning quarterback CJ Bailey, several returning starters on both sides of the ball and hopes of competing for an ACC championship.
That optimism faded after a season-opening blowout loss to Virginia and a last-second defeat at Vanderbilt three weeks later.
Through seven games, NC State is 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play. State still has home games against California, Duke and Syracuse. The schedule concludes with road dates at Florida State and rival UNC.
Questions about Doeren’s future had surfaced before this season. Rumors swirled in the media and football circles that he might leave the program after the 2025 campaign, but Doeren told reporters at the time that he had no plans to retire.
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