Additionally, ESPN's Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach also reported that Rivers "has engaged in serious discussions about returning to coach his alma mater, though sources have told ESPN that a deal isn't yet close."

The 44-year-old has told NC State that he wants to finish the current high school season, ESPN's sources said.

Rivers hasn't met with NC State officials in person, those sources told ESPN, but there has been outreach about putting together a front office should he agree to take the job.

The Wolfpack's gig came open following the firing of 14-year head coach Dave Doeren last Saturday after his team fell to Stanford, 31-28, on Friday night. The team is currently 3-4 on the season and 1-3 in ACC play.

Prior to his legendary NFL career, Rivers suited up for the Wolfpack from 2000-2003, throwing for over 13,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns while earning multiple All-ACC honors and eventually having his No. 17 jersey retired at the school.

Regarded as one of the greatest to ever wear an NC State uniform, Rivers helped lead the program to four straight bowl appearances and its last double-digit-win season (2002).

The Wolfpack alum has spent the past six years leading the Cardinals, having guided them to a 50-20 overall record and a pair of playoff-semifinal appearances over that span.

Philip's son, Gunner, is also currently committed to play for NC State beginning next year. Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, the veteran quarterback is on track to follow in his father's footsteps up in Raleigh as of now, and he has reaffirmed his commitment to the program since Doeren's firing according to PackPower247's R. Cory Smith.

"I want to thank Coach Doeren for everything he did for me," Gunner Rivers wrote in a text to Pack Power. "I knew every time I spoke with him he was gonna tell me the truth, whether good or bad. And that was something I always appreciated. He definitely left a good impression on me and my family.

"As far as my commitment goes, I'm staying 100% locked in with the PACK! Excited to get to work here in a couple months."

At this stage, it appears clear that any formal decision will wait until after the Cardinals' season has concluded.

They just fell to Foley, 53-32, on Friday night and will host Glenwood Academy in the opening round of the AHSAA Double-A Playoffs next week. St. Michael has already faced the Gators once this fall, with the final result being a 48-27 victory for Rivers' squad.

With a win in that contest, the Cardinals' season would continue through at least Nov. 13. The victor of the McGill-Toolen vs. Faith Academy matchup would await them in the quarterfinals.