Amid much speculation that he would leave NC State to take the vacant head coaching job at the University of Tennessee, it is now being reported by multiple news outlets that NC State football head coach Dave Doeren has accepted a new contract and will remain at NC State. Both Joe Giglio of the News and Observer and Pack Pride have reported that Doeren has turned down Tennessee’s offer and will remain the Wolfpack’s head coach.
After leading the Wolfpack to an 8-4 regular season with a 6-2 ACC record, the Pack’s best since 1994, in his fifth year as head coach, speculation about Doeren’s future has run rampant over the past week. He had been connected to both the Tennessee and Ole Miss jobs, amid additional reports that he was working on a contract extension with NC State. Doeren automatically received a one-year extension and pay raise for winning eight games this year.
Doeren’s new contract with NC State is reportedly a five-year deal, with an annual salary of $3 million, an $800,000 per year raise, according to Pack Pride. Neither NC State Athletics nor Athletic Director Debbie Yow have confirmed this report. The deal also will reportedly allow Doeren to sign his coordinators to three-year deals, as well as provide a $750,000 pool of money to offer raises to assistants.
UPDATE: NC State athletics has now confirmed that Doeren has received a new contract, pending approval from the board of trustees Friday, but has still yet to release specific terms.
“Dave has made significant strides in developing a complete program at NC State, and this new contract continues our commitment to his leadership,” Yow told NC State Athletics. “We want to support the continued growth of the program under Dave, the culture he has established, the competitive and academic gains he’s helped us achieve and his continued progress in recruiting.”
Doeren is ready to continue building NC State’s football program after finishing the regular season in the College Football Playoff top-25 (No. 24) for the first time in his tenure.
“My heart is at NC State; my family and I are truly grateful to Chancellor [Randy] Woodson and Athletics Director Debbie Yow for the opportunity to continue to build on the momentum we have here in Raleigh,” Doeren told Athletics. “We’re building a championship culture; we have first-class facilities, incredible fan support and I’m honored to continue to lead the Wolfpack.”*
*This story was updated to include contract details and the confirmation from athletics
