Dave Doeren Leaves NC State: News, Firing, Postgame Reaction and Press Conference

Dave Doeren’s tenure as NC State football head coach has officially ended. The university announced on October 24, 2026, that Doeren had been relieved of his duties following a difficult start to the season and a 31–28 loss to Stanford. The decision ends his 14-season run leading the Wolfpack.

The news has put the spotlight on Doeren’s coaching record, his final postgame comments, and what comes next for NC State football. Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Why Did Dave Doeren Leave NC State?

Dave Doeren did not voluntarily announce a departure for another coaching job. NC State dismissed him after a disappointing 2026 season, with the decision coming one day after the Stanford defeat. The Wolfpack fell to 3–4 overall and 1–3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Several factors contributed to the difficult season:

• A disappointing start: NC State struggled to meet expectations during the opening weeks.

• Defensive problems: The team had difficulty containing opponents, including in its losses to Wake Forest and Stanford.

• Missed opportunities: Close games and costly mistakes hurt the Wolfpack’s chances of improving its record.

• Pressure to improve: After 14 seasons, the program still had not reached an ACC Championship Game under Doeren.

   

Stanford vs. NC State: The Final Game

The 31–28 loss to Stanford on Friday, October 23, 2026, became the turning point in Doeren’s tenure. NC State had entered the game looking to recover from earlier setbacks, but the defeat left the team below .500 and increased pressure on the coaching staff.

The result was especially disappointing because the Wolfpack had hoped to compete for a stronger position in the ACC. Instead, the team struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

NC State announced Doeren’s dismissal on Saturday, October 24. The university also confirmed that it would begin a national search for its next permanent head coach.

Dave Doeren’s Postgame Press Conference

Following the Stanford loss, Doeren spoke to reporters about the team’s performance. He accepted responsibility for the result and acknowledged that the players had not performed at the required level.

In his postgame comments, Doeren said, “It starts with me,” explaining that he had not adequately prepared the team. He also expressed disappointment with the defense, particularly its struggles against Stanford’s passing game.

Doeren pointed to offensive line injuries as another challenge. NC State was already using three backup offensive linemen, and the situation worsened when Daniel Cruz went down during the game. However, Doeren did not use those difficulties to avoid responsibility for the defeat.

His comments reflected the frustration surrounding a season that had fallen short of expectations. The dismissal was announced the following day.

What Was Dave Doeren’s Record at NC State?

Doeren leaves behind a significant legacy. He became the winningest head coach in NC State football history and helped the Wolfpack maintain a consistent presence in postseason bowl games.

However, his teams never reached the ACC Championship Game or recorded a 10-win season. That gap between consistency and championship-level success remained a major part of the discussion surrounding his tenure.

Who Will Replace Dave Doeren at NC State?

Todd Goebbel has been appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. He previously served as the Wolfpack’s running backs coach and special teams coordinator and joined the staff in 2019.

NC State has also announced a national search for a permanent replacement. The next head coach will face the challenge of improving the team’s results, strengthening its consistency and helping the program compete for ACC honors.

Goebbel’s immediate task is to prepare the team for its upcoming games while the university evaluates its long-term options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Dave Doeren leave NC State?

No. NC State dismissed Doeren on October 24, 2026, ending his 14-season tenure as head football coach.

Why was Dave Doeren fired?

The decision followed a disappointing 3–4 start to the 2026 season, including a 31–28 loss to Stanford. The program’s struggles and failure to reach an ACC Championship Game during his tenure were important parts of the broader context.

What did Dave Doeren say in his final postgame press conference?

After the Stanford game, Doeren took responsibility for the team’s preparation, criticized the defensive performance and discussed injuries along the offensive line.

Who is NC State’s interim head coach?

Todd Goebbel will lead the Wolfpack for the remainder of the 2026 season while NC State searches for a permanent head coach.

What was Dave Doeren’s record at NC State?

Doeren finished his NC State tenure with a reported record of 98 wins and 74 losses across 14 seasons. He leaves as the program’s winningest head coach.

Conclusion

Dave Doeren leaves NC State after 14 seasons that brought stability, winning records and a school coaching milestone, but not the championship breakthrough the program sought. His dismissal followed the 31–28 loss to Stanford and a 3–4 start to the 2026 season.

With Todd Goebbel taking over on an interim basis, the Wolfpack now enter a new chapter. The next coaching appointment will be crucial to NC State’s hopes of turning consistent competitiveness into greater success in the ACC.