NC State interim coach Todd Goebbel sets course after Dave Doeren’s firing
Goebbel says he is leaning on Wolfpack players as the team prepares for California, while staff changes reshape defensive and special teams duties.
NC State interim football coach Todd Goebbel said Monday evening, October 26, that he is relying on Wolfpack players as they prepare for Saturday’s home game against California in Raleigh following Dave Doeren’s midseason firing, according to the Associated Press. The change leaves Goebbel in charge of a team with five regular-season games remaining and brings new assignments across the coaching staff.
NC State announced Doeren’s dismissal on October 24 and appointed Goebbel interim coach for the rest of the season. The university also said it would begin a national search immediately. Goebbel’s comments and the players’ reactions mark the team’s first reported steps forward since the dismissal covered in NewsJaws’ earlier report.
Goebbel leans on players after Doeren’s dismissal
Goebbel, who has been on NC State’s staff since 2019, most recently coached running backs and coordinated special teams, the AP reported. He said he contacted peers who had previously taken over programs on an interim basis for advice, but had relied most on his players. He credited the foundation Doeren built over 14 years and said the team would play in a way its former coach could be proud of: ‘hard, tough and most importantly together.’
Quarterback CJ Bailey told the AP that Doeren called him with the news. Bailey said the firing shocked him because he had not expected a coaching change during the season. Once it settled in, he said, his focus turned to what he could do for his teammates. Goebbel said Doeren was able to address the team after his firing.
Defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley told the AP that players had held private discussions about taking responsibility for their part in the season. He said they had owned that responsibility and needed to move on with more games to play.
Coaching changes before NC State hosts California
Defensive coordinator DJ Eliot was also fired, the AP reported. Assistant Charlton Warren will call defensive plays for the rest of the season, while special teams analyst Zac Roper will take on Goebbel’s previous duties. The Wolfpack enter the California game at 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Read in depth: Sports
Manchester United consider Howe and Nagelsmann as Carrick's future hangs in balance
BBC Sport says Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are prominent potential replacements while Manchester United weigh whether to dismiss Michael Carrick after eight games without...
Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or after record 73-goal season
The Bayern Munich striker becomes the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001, beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Sources and context
- NC State, Goebbel turn attention forward after Doeren's midseason firingAssociated Press, published by Yahoo Sports
- NC State Announces Change in Leadership for Wolfpack FootballNC State University Athletics
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.