Nick Faulkner
Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach George McDonald talks to sophomore wide receiver Emeka Emezie and redshirt junior wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at a timeout during the 28-23 win over Boston College on Saturday, Oct. 6 in Carter-Finley Stadium.
NC State football’s search for a new offensive coordinator was a quick one. After Eliah Drinkwitz was announced as Appalachian State’s head coach Thursday, Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren announced Friday that wide receivers coach George McDonald and running backs coach Des Kitchings would be promoted to co-offensive coordinator roles.
Kitchings joined NC State’s staff in 2012, and McDonald in 2015. Both will continue to coach their respective position groups in addition to their new roles.
“I’m excited that Des and George will have the opportunity to oversee and develop our offense,” Doeren said in an official release from NC State Athletics. “They have a great working relationship and respect for each other and their familiarity with our offense will provide us with great continuity for our players and recruits.”
Under Kitchings, NC State has had a running back put up over 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last three seasons with Reggie Gallaspy, Nyheim Hines and Matthew Dayes. Kitchings was also named the No. 1 recruiter in the ACC in June.
“I would like to thank to coach Doeren and the administration for this opportunity,” Kitchings said. “I’m excited to work hand in hand with Coach McDonald and the rest of our staff to continue the progression of NC State football.”
Under McDonald this season, NC State had two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season for the first time in school history with junior Kelvin Harmon and redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers.
Harmon and Meyers also both earned First-Team All-ACC honors, the first time in conference history two players from the same team has done that.
“I’m extremely grateful to coach Doeren for this opportunity,” McDonald said. “My family and I love NC State and I’m proud of what we’re building with Wolfpack football. Our staff has a great relationship and I know that will continue as Coach Kitchings and I take on this role.”
NC State will face Texas A&M in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida Dec. 31.