NC State fires Dave Doeren after Stanford loss, names Todd Goebbel interim coach
The Wolfpack made the coaching change after falling to 3-4. Athletic director Boo Corrigan thanked Doeren for his 14 seasons but gave no specific reason for the decision.
NC State fired head football coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, ending his 14-season tenure after a 31-28 loss at Stanford the previous night. The Wolfpack were 3-4, and The Sporting News reported that special teams and running backs coach Todd Goebbel will lead the team on an interim basis for the rest of the season.
NC State’s decision after the Stanford loss
Friday’s defeat left NC State at 1-3 in ACC play, according to USA TODAY Sports. Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed Doeren’s departure to USA TODAY Sports before the school announced it. Athletic director Boo Corrigan did not give a specific reason for the firing in the statement quoted by CBS Sports.
“I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride,” Corrigan said in the statement. He also thanked Doeren for his leadership during his 14 years in charge and wished him and his family well.
Todd Goebbel to lead the Wolfpack as national search begins
Goebbel has been on NC State’s staff since 2019 and has never served as a head coach, The Sporting News reported. The Fayetteville Observer said he will remain interim coach for the rest of the season and that the school will begin a national search for Doeren’s replacement immediately. That leaves Goebbel responsible for the Wolfpack’s remaining games while the school looks for a permanent coach.
Dave Doeren’s 14 seasons at NC State
Doeren took charge for the 2013 season. His teams made 11 bowl appearances in 14 seasons, according to CBS Sports. The Sporting News reported that NC State had three losing seasons under him but never reached 10 wins in a season. The tenure gave the Wolfpack sustained bowl participation without a 10-win breakthrough.
The Wolfpack upset Louisville earlier this season, but CBS Sports reported that they lost their other four games against Power Four opponents. The Stanford result was the latest setback in that run. Goebbel inherits a team with four losses through seven games as the coaching search starts.
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Sources and context
- NC State fires Dave Doeren: Wolfpack coach out amid 14th season after brutal loss to StanfordCBS Sports
- Dave Doeren fired at NC State after 14 seasons leading Wolfpack footballUSA TODAY Sports (John Leuzzi and John Brice; syndicated via Yahoo)
- Dave Doeren fired by NC State after 14 seasons as coachThe Fayetteville Observer (Rodd Baxley; syndicated via Yahoo)
- Why did NC State fire Dave Doeren? Wolfpack make change in wake of loss to Stanford | Sporting NewsThe Sporting News (Daniel Chavkin; Reuters credit is for photograph)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.