North Carolina State University dismissed head football coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, ending his 14-year tenure with the Wolfpack. The decision followed a 31-28 loss to Stanford on Friday, which dropped the team's season record to 3-4.
Athletic director Boo Corrigan issued a statement thanking Doeren for his service and contributions to the university. Corrigan acknowledged Doeren's leadership and passion during his time in the role and extended best wishes to Doeren, his wife Sara, and his family. The university stated that a national search for a new head coach would begin immediately.
Doeren joined the NC State program in 2013 after serving as head coach at Northern Illinois for two seasons. His first season with the Wolfpack yielded a 3-9 record, but he subsequently led the team to become a regular participant in bowl games. Over his 13 full seasons, the Wolfpack appeared in 11 bowl games, including six consecutive seasons. Despite this overall success, the team is currently 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play this season.
Following Friday's defeat, Doeren accepted responsibility for the outcome. He stated that his players did not perform adequately, which he attributed to his own failure to prepare them properly. In his career at NC State, Doeren compiled a record of 98-73. He finished above a .500 winning percentage in 10 of those campaigns. Prior to his time at NC State, he went 23-4 at Northern Illinois.
Todd Goebbel, the running backs coach and special teams coordinator who has been on the staff since 2019, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The new coaching era begins on Halloween when NC State hosts California. Doeren's departure marks the second coaching change of the season at a major program, following the recent parting of ways between Maryland and Mike Locksley.