Nine FBS universities — seven Power Four schools — have already fired their head football coaches. Several coaches remain on the hot seat, their futures unclear.
N.C. State coach Dave Doeren has been the subject of some criticism this season, including from some of his most outward supporters, who believe it’s time for a new coach. Some have gone so far to say a change needs to be made immediately, urging Wolfpack Athletic Director Boo Corrigan to seek a new coach.
That doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
“I’m thankful to work for somebody that understands there’s a lot left on the table,” Doeren said. “This is a group that has a great culture. They love being around each other. They’re fun to coach. He sees all that. He’s behind the wall seeing it, and I know he’s the one that’s got to take the heat from the outside, but Boo is a strong man. He believes in what he believes in. He’s got strong convictions when it comes to how he leads, and I have a lot of respect for that.”
Corrigan recently expressed support for the program and criticized the trend of firing coaches before the season ends.
“Honestly, I think there’s been a little bit of a loss of dignity in what we do and firing coaches mid-season,” Corrigan said last week during a radio show. “You’ve got people that truly dedicate their life to something, and if it doesn’t work out, is there a need to fire them immediately?”
Doeren understands college athletics are about results but called it “crazy” to see the early- and mid-season terminations. Five coaches were fired this month. Florida’s Billy Napier and Colorado State’s Jay Norvell were fired Sunday.
Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry and UCLA’s DeShaun Foster were ousted on Sept. 14, less than a month into the season.
Three weeks ago, Doeren said he tries to avoid negativity, particularly from strangers, and focuses on building an internal environment based on growth and accountability.
“I understand the expectations and what this program’s supposed to accomplish year in and year out,” Doeren said. “Sometimes we meet those goals. Sometimes we fall short. [Corrigan] understands how hard we’re trying to get that done. We fight for him. We fight for all the people at this university and all the fans.”
Corrigan also spoke of the instant gratification prevalent in college athletics, particularly with NIL, revenue sharing and the transfer portal. There’s far more pressure on coaches, support staff and players and less patience.
Decision makers, Corrigan said, should evaluate their programs by considering the buyouts, how the players and staff feel, the players’ effort and overall culture of the program.
“Do those things matter or is it just wins and losses?” Corrigan said.
For N.C. State, 1-2 in the ACC and 4-3 overall, it starts what it hopes to be a renewed season on Saturday when it plays at Pittsburgh. The Wolfpack — described by Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi as the most talented group it’s played this year — has a difficult schedule ahead but Doeren, with the support of Corrigan, is l committed to finishing this year out.
It was in the exact same position two years ago — 4-3 after a disappointing loss before an idle week — and found a way to finish with nine wins.
“We’ve got a lot to play for. I told them today, I expect to win every game we play, and we prepare that way,” Doeren said. “Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don’t, from an outcome standpoint. We have five games to play. … We’ve got a lot on the table, so take it one at a time.”