NC State fires Dave Doeren midway through 14th season as HC, contract buyout details revealed

NC State has fired head coach Dave Doeren after a 3-4 start to the 2026 season, the school announced Saturday.

“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said in connection with the announcement. “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.”

NC State also fired general manager Andy Vaughn after Saturday’s loss, according to On3’s Noah Fleischman.

Doeren had been head coach of the Wolfpack since 2013 and was the fourth longest-tenured FBS coach before his firing.

NC State running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will take over as interim head coach following losses to Stanford and Wake Forest.

Doeren finishes his Wolfpack career with an overall record of 98-74. He is the school’s all-time leader in coaching wins.

Although NC State was never able to win an ACC title during Doeren’s tenure, the team still made 10 bowl game appearances.

The Wolfpack entered their 2026 campaign with high expectations after bringing back quarterback CJ Bailey, but immediately struggled to start the year.

NC State lost two of its first three games, including a 34-8 loss to Virginia to open the season.

The Wolfpack ultimately improved to 3-2 with wins over Appalachian State and Louisville, although Doeren’s team gave up a combined 69 points in two losses to Wake Forest and Stanford.

NC State has the second-worst defense in the ACC this season, allowing 28.1 points per game.

The Wolfpack sits in 16th place in the conference standings.