{
  "id": 18578327,
  "title": "'I'd be stunned' if Philip Rivers isn't NC State's next coach, Alabama sports reporter tells ABC11",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/id-be-stunned-if-philip-rivers-isnt-nc-states-next-coach-alabama",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-06T22:12:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/alabama-sports-reporter-id-stunned-210736299.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A longtime Alabama sports reporter, Ben Thomas of AL.com, expressed strong confidence that former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers will become the Wolfpack's next head coach. Thomas has been covering Rivers since his arrival at St. Michael Catholic in 2021 as a head football coach. The main question at the moment, according to Thomas, is when the announcement will be made.\n\nRivers recently met with NC State officials in Fairhope, where he coaches the Cardinal. Thomas believes the timing is the only remaining question and is stunned if he isn't the coach at NC State. He first began considering Rivers as a serious candidate when the school moved past former coach Dave Doeren and shortly after Rivers withdrew from serving as offensive coordinator for an Alabama all-star game.\n\nThomas highlighted a few key factors that suggest Rivers is a strong fit for NC State. He praised Rivers' energy, leadership style, and competitiveness, as well as his ability to galvanize fans and create a supportive environment. Thomas also noted that Rivers' son, Gunner, is committed to NC State, which he believes is a significant factor in the decision-making process.\n\nWhile Thomas acknowledged that family considerations are important for Rivers, who has a large family and established roots in Alabama, he remained optimistic about the situation. He confidently stated that he wouldn't be surprised if Rivers ends up becoming the next head coach at NC State.",
  "summary": "An Alabama reporter who has covered Philip Rivers for years told ABC11 that he'd be \"stunned\" if the former NC State QB doesn't become the Wolfpack's next head coach.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alabama sports reporter Ben Thomas believes Philip Rivers will be NC State's next coach.",
    "Rivers recently met with NC State officials in Fairhope.",
    "Rivers' son Gunner is committed to NC State, a significant factor."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}