Russell Wilson could be heading back to college football, but this time as a coach. The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback interviewed for NC State's vacant head coaching position on November 3, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The development comes just five months after Wilson announced his NFL retirement and joined CBS Sports as an analyst. Now, the Super Bowl champion could have another football career waiting for him at the school where he spent three seasons.




Wilson's connection with the Wolfpack goes back to 2008. He played at NC State for three seasons before transferring to Wisconsin in 2011. That history gives his reported interview an interesting angle, especially as the program looks for a new leader after parting ways with Dave Doeren.




Could Russell Wilson return to NC State after his three-year college career?ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the development on November 3 through his X account. He revealed that Wilson had interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at NC State. Schefter also mentioned another familiar name in the race, former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.




Both Wilson and Rivers played for the Wolfpack during their college careers. Their presence in the coaching search gives NC State two candidates with NFL experience and direct connections to the programme.




Wilson spent the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons at NC State. He finished his college career there with 8,545 passing yards and 76 touchdowns in 36 games. However, he decided to transfer to Wisconsin for his final college season in 2011.




The move worked out well for the quarterback. Wilson threw for 3,175 yards and 33 touchdowns during his only season with the Badgers. He then entered the 2012 NFL Draft, where the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round.




His potential return to Raleigh comes after a major change at NC State. On October 24, the university announced that it had relieved Dave Doeren of his duties. The decision came less than a day after the Wolfpack lost 31-28 to Stanford, dropping their season record to 3-4.




Doeren spent 14 seasons at NC State and finished with a 98-74 record. He also became the winningest head coach in the programme's history. Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.




How does the NC State opportunity fit with Wilson's new CBS Sports career?Wilson's coaching interview comes at an interesting point in his career. On June 3, 2026, he announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons. He also confirmed his move to CBS Sports, where he joined The NFL Today as an analyst for the 2026 season.




CBS announced that Wilson would join host James Brown, former NFL head coach Bill Cowher and retired wide receiver Nate Burleson on its Sunday pregame show.




The former quarterback left professional football with a Super Bowl title, 10 Pro Bowl selections and a lengthy career that included stops with the Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.




His broadcasting role offered a way to remain around football after retirement. However, a potential move into college coaching would put him back in a much more demanding position.




Wilson has plenty of playing experience, but becoming a head coach would bring responsibilities beyond understanding the quarterback position. He would have to manage an entire programme, build a coaching staff and oversee recruiting and player development.




As of now, NC State has only interviewed Wilson, and the school has not announced its next head coach. His name joining the search, alongside Rivers, gives the Wolfpack an unexpected connection to two former NFL quarterbacks. Whether Wilson chooses coaching over broadcasting remains to be seen.