Reporting from On3's Pete Nakos and Chris Low indicate that North Carolina State is set to meet with current St. Michael Catholic head coach Philip Rivers on Wednesday in Fairhope.

Additionally, USA Today's John Brice reported that Rivers has "begun sounding out potential members for his NC State staff," with him emphasizing that the current Cardinals head coach is the primary focus in the coaching search.

The news comes a day after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that fellow Wolfpack alum Russell Wilson had interviewed for the program's open head-coaching position.

The Wolfpack's gig became available following the firing of 14-year head coach Dave Doeren on Saturday, Oct. 24, after his team fell to Stanford the previous night. The 2026 squad is currently 4-4 on the season and 2-3 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).

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, and he had already 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."

Following the news of Doeren's dismissal, Philip Rivers' name immediately began being associated with the job opening. However, the 44-year-old openly emphasized that he wanted to focus on the remainder of the high school football season, remaining neutral when asked about the matter.

St. Michael fell to Foley, 53-32, in its season finale and first game after the NC State position opened up.