RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A longtime, award-winning Alabama sports reporter who has closely covered Philip Rivers’ high school coaching career says he would be “stunned” if the former NC State quarterback does not become the Wolfpack’s next head coach, with timing appearing to be the biggest remaining question.
Ben Thomas of AL.com has covered Rivers since his arrival at St. Michael Catholic in 2021 as head football coach. He discussed Rivers’ future during an interview with ABC11’s Travon Miles as speculation continues to grow around the former NFL quarterback potentially returning to Raleigh.
“I think for the last couple of weeks, I’ve thought Philip Rivers is going to be the coach at North Carolina State at some point,” Thomas said. “I mean, I think the question right now is when does that happen? When is our announcement made?”
WATCH: Philip Rivers speaks after high school team’s season ends
Speculation about an announcement from NC State on its next football coach will ramp up after Philip Rivers’ team was ousted Friday night in the state playoffs.
Thomas said Rivers met with NC State officials earlier in the week in Fairhope, where Rivers coaches the Cardinal.
“I’d be surprised if he’s not the coach at NC State; I’m going to be stunned,” Thomas said. “I think the timing, the question now is what’s the timing.”
Thomas said he first began to believe Rivers could be a serious candidate as soon as NC State moved on from former coach Dave Doeren.
Thomas said he had heard Rivers had withdrawn from serving as offensive coordinator for an Alabama all-star game scheduled for December. Shortly afterward, the NC State vacancy emerged.
“When I heard that Philip pulled out of that game and then a couple of days later, there was an opening at North Carolina State, that seemed that the pieces kind of seemed to add up,” Thomas said.
While Rivers has publicly confirmed speaking with NC State, Thomas said the former quarterback has remained largely consistent in his approach.
“He did say a lot of nice things about how that place is different,” Thomas said. “Obviously, love that place, you know, nothing’s imminent, and we’ll see where we go from here.”
Rivers has said previously that he intended to coach his high school team through the postseason. That ended for St. Michael on Friday night when the Cardinal lost 42-35 in the playoffs to Glenwood School.
With his team’s ouster, speculation is certain to ramp up on when or if an announcement could come from NC State.
“We’ll see what the future holds,” Rivers said after Friday night’s game. He again confirmed that he met with NC State officials on Wednesday, but said it was just a step in the process.
Thomas said Rivers originally viewed high school coaching as his long-term goal after retiring from professional football. However, he said he believes Rivers’ brief NFL return last year and subsequent head coaching interview with the Buffalo Bills helped broaden his coaching ambitions.
“Being a high school coach was not a publicity stunt for him,” Thomas said. “That was his dream.”
According to Thomas, Rivers later realized, “Something I know now is I can impact people, football players at any level, not just at the high school level.”
Thomas also pointed to the role of Rivers’ son, Gunner, who is committed to NC State.
“I think that’s a huge part of it,” Thomas said.
Asked whether the chance to coach his son in college was a factor in his decision, Rivers responded, “Oh, sure.”
Rivers said he wouldn’t call that “the factor, the deciding factor, but certainly, it would be special.”
Thomas suggested the situation could be different if Gunner were committed elsewhere.
“If he was committed to Auburn or Alabama or somewhere, we’d be talking about a lot different situation,” he said.
Having watched Rivers build St. Michael’s football program, Thomas said the former NFL star possesses the energy, leadership style and competitiveness that have made him successful as a coach.
“He’s so energetic,” Thomas said, recalling Rivers’ interactions with players. “He reminds the guys all the time that, hey, enjoy this.”
Thomas also highlighted Rivers’ ability to attract players and supporters.
“What the high school coaches have told me, and people know him say, is he’ll be able to galvanize that fan base,” Thomas said. “People want to contribute to that program.”
Thomas added, “People want to come play football for Philip Rivers.”
As for concerns about Rivers making the jump directly from high school football to a major college program, Thomas said he believes Rivers’ leadership qualities and football background would translate.
“I think people want to play for him, and I think he’s got the football knowledge and the competitive fire to be successful wherever he is,” Thomas said.
Although Thomas acknowledged family considerations remain significant for Rivers, who has a large family and established roots in Alabama, he repeatedly returned to the same conclusion.
“I would be shocked if it didn’t go that way at this point,” Thomas said.
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Source: abc11.com
