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Dave Doeren
Dave Doeren
from Wikipedia

David William Doeren (born December 3, 1971) is an American college football coach who is currently the head football coach at North Carolina State University, a position he has held since the 2013 season. Doeren previously served as the head football coach at Northern Illinois University from 2011 to 2012 and has been an assistant at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Kansas, University of Montana, and University of Southern California. He played college football at Drake University, where he also held his first assistant coaching position.

Key Information

Biography

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Doeren is married with three children.[2] He is a native of Shawnee, Kansas and attended Drake University, where he played on the football team.[3]

Coaching career

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Doeren's first coaching job was as wide receivers and defensive line coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas.

College assistant

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From there he served as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator of the Drake Bulldogs. Later he became a graduate assistant with the USC Trojans before being named secondary coach of the Montana Grizzlies, where he was a member of the 2001 national championship team. Doeren was linebackers coach with the Kansas Jayhawks from 2002 to 2005 before becoming linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator of the Wisconsin Badgers. He was given the sole title of defensive coordinator in 2008.

Northern Illinois

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On December 13, 2010, he was named the new head coach of the NIU Huskies.

2011 season

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Doeren led the Huskies to a Mid-American Conference Championship and a win in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in his first year.

2012 season

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On November 30, 2012, the Huskies won a second consecutive MAC Championship and become the first MAC team to earn a BCS bid with a trip to the 2013 Orange Bowl. Doeren did not coach the Huskies in the Orange Bowl, which NIU lost to Florida State, as he had already accepted the head coaching position at NC State. Doeren's salary per year was raised to $420,000 in 2012 and he was under contract at NIU until 2017.[4][5]

NC State

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On December 1, 2012, athletic director Debbie Yow announced that Doeren would be the new head coach of the Wolfpack.[6]

In his first season at the helm, the Wolfpack compiled a record of 3–9 and failed to win an ACC game.[7] In his second season, they improved to 8–5 (one of the fastest turnarounds in school history), and won the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl. They also posted a decisive 35–7 win against archrival North Carolina.[8] Doeren accomplished all this with the third youngest team in the nation.[9]

In his 12 seasons with the Wolfpack, Doeren has had nine winning seasons and been invited to 10 bowl games.

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Northern Illinois Huskies (Mid-American Conference) (2011–2012)
2011 Northern Illinois 11–3 7–1 T–1st (West) W GoDaddy.com
2012 Northern Illinois 12–1 8–0 1st (West) Orange* 24 22
Northern Illinois: 23–4 15–1 * Did not coach bowl game
NC State Wolfpack (Atlantic Coast Conference) (2013–present)
2013 NC State 3–9 0–8 7th (Atlantic)
2014 NC State 8–5 3–5 5th (Atlantic) W St. Petersburg
2015 NC State 7–6 3–5 4th (Atlantic) L Belk
2016 NC State 7–6 3–5 T–4th (Atlantic) W Independence
2017 NC State 9–4 6–2 2nd (Atlantic) W Sun 23 23
2018 NC State 9–4 5–3 3rd (Atlantic) L Gator
2019 NC State 4–8 1–7 7th (Atlantic)
2020 NC State 8–4 7–3 T–4th L Gator
2021 NC State 9–3 6–2 T–2nd (Atlantic) Holiday[a] 19 20
2022 NC State 8–5 4–4 T–3rd (Atlantic) L Duke's Mayo
2023 NC State 9–4 6–2 3rd L Pop-Tarts 21 21
2024 NC State 6–7 3–5 T–10th L Military
2025 NC State 6–5 3–4
NC State: 93–70 50–55
Total: 116–74
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dave Doeren (born December 3, 1971) is an American college football coach who has served as the head coach of the North Carolina State University Wolfpack since December 2012. In his 13 seasons at NC State through November 2025, Doeren has compiled a 92–70 record, making him the program's all-time winningest coach and establishing the second-longest active tenure in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) behind only Clemson's Dabo Swinney. His emphasis on player development, academic success, and program stability has led the Wolfpack to ten bowl appearances, including a 2022 Gator Bowl victory, while maintaining a 98.7 Academic Progress Rate and a record-high Graduation Success Rate as of 2025. Doeren's coaching career began after a playing background as a at , where he lettered for four years (1990–1993) and earned Academic honors as a senior while earning a in studies in 1994. Initially aspiring to become an orthopedic , he pivoted to , starting as an assistant at his Shawnee Mission High School in in 1994 before returning to Drake as a in 1995. His ascent included stints as defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin (2009–2010), where he helped the Badgers reach back-to-back Rose Bowls, and as head coach at (2011–2012), posting a 23–4 mark, winning back-to-back titles, and securing an berth in 2013. At NC State, Doeren has guided the team to at least eight wins in seven seasons, including two 9–4 campaigns (2017 and 2023) and a 9–3 finish in 2021. Notable achievements include a 27–21 upset victory over then-No. 7 Clemson in 2021 and a 21–26 loss to East Carolina in the 2024 , contributing to a 4–6 bowl record overall. Beyond the field, Doeren prioritizes family and community, having been married to his wife Sara since 1998 and raising three sons—Jacob, Luke, and Connor—while supporting initiatives for through partnerships like 321 Coffee. His steady leadership has positioned NC State as a consistent ACC contender, with 115 total career wins ranking him among the active FBS coaches as of November 2025.

Biography

Early life and education

Dave Doeren was born on December 3, 1971, in San Diego, California, where his father, Bill Doeren, served as a Navy officer at Balboa Naval Hospital. Following his father's military service, the family relocated to Shawnee, Kansas, where Doeren spent his formative years. His mother, Susan Doeren, emphasized the importance of education and professional stability, influencing his early academic ambitions. Doeren attended in , a private Catholic institution, where he participated in multiple sports, including football as a . During his time there, he developed a strong foundation in athletics and leadership, crediting the school's coaches for mentoring him in various roles on the field. His involvement in football at Bishop Miege helped him earn recognition for his competitive skills and team contributions, setting the stage for his collegiate pursuits. In 1990, Doeren enrolled at in , initially aiming to pursue a pre-med degree with plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. He majored in and played football for the Bulldogs as a from 1990 to 1993, while maintaining strong academic performance. Doeren graduated in 1994 with a degree in pre-med and later earned a in from Drake in 1999. Although he prepared for by taking the MCAT, Doeren ultimately shifted his focus toward education and athletics in the immediate years following graduation.

College playing career

Doeren played as a for the from 1990 to 1993, earning four varsity letters during his tenure. Over his career, he recorded 19 receptions for 237 yards, contributing to the team's offensive efforts in an era when Drake competed as an NCAA Division I-AA independent program from 1990 to 1992 before joining the in 1993. As a , Doeren served as a reliable target in the passing game and blocker in the run-oriented offenses typical of the Bulldogs' scheme during that period. His senior season in aligned with one of Drake's stronger campaigns, as the team finished 8–2 overall and tied for second in the inaugural standings with a 3–2 conference mark. While individual game highlights for Doeren are not extensively documented, his consistent participation helped support the Bulldogs' improved performance that year compared to prior seasons of 6–4 in 1990, 4–6 in 1991, and 7–2–1 in 1992. Balancing athletics with academics, Doeren majored in pre-medical biology at Drake University and earned second-team honors on the 1993 GTE University Division Academic All-America team as a senior. Upon graduating in 1994, he opted to forgo medical school in favor of a coaching career, drawing from his on-field experiences at Drake to transition into the profession.

Personal life

Dave Doeren met his wife, Sara, while serving as a graduate assistant coach at , where she was studying nursing. The couple married in 1998 and have supported each other through multiple relocations tied to Doeren's coaching career, including moves from to , , and eventually . The Doerens have three sons: (born 1999), Luke (born 2002), and Connor (born 2006). Their oldest son, , was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as a preschooler, an experience that profoundly shaped the family's perspective on and inspired their philanthropic efforts. Since arriving in Raleigh in 2013, the family has resided there, embracing the area's outdoor opportunities; Doeren enjoys hiking and fishing with his sons, activities that provide balance amid his demanding schedule. In 2023, Dave and Sara Doeren donated $1.25 million to establish OnePack Empowered, an NC State University program supporting neurodivergent students and those with executive functioning challenges, directly motivated by Jacob's successful navigation of college with similar accommodations. The family also supports 321 Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop in Raleigh that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum; the initiative provides coffee services to the NC State football team and has been backed by the Doerens since 2019. The initiative reflects their commitment to community involvement and inclusivity in Raleigh. Doeren has publicly emphasized the importance of faith in his life, having grown up Catholic and now prioritizing connection to a church community; he spoke at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet in 2019, highlighting Christian values in athletics. Balancing family life with coaching demands remains a challenge, but Sara's role as a nurse and steadfast partner has been central to their resilience.

Coaching career

Assistant coaching positions

Doeren began his coaching career in 1994 as a teacher and assistant coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in , where he handled wide receivers and defensive line duties. Following his playing career at , Doeren transitioned to collegiate coaching as a and linebackers coach for the from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, he was promoted to while continuing to coach linebackers, contributing to a strong run of success with the team posting a 24-7-1 record over his three seasons, including titles in 1995 and 1998 (though the latter was after his departure). Doeren served as a defensive graduate assistant at the from 1998 to 1999 under head coach Paul Hackett, working primarily with the defense during a period that included a 1999 appearance. From 2000 to 2001, Doeren coached the secondary and served as recruiting coordinator for the Grizzlies, helping the team achieve a 25-3 record and reach the NCAA Division I-AA game in 2001, where they defeated Furman 13-6 for the title. Under his guidance, Montana's secondary was instrumental in limiting opponents to an average of 13.5 points per game in 2001. Doeren joined the in 2002 as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator under , holding those roles through 2004 before adding co-defensive coordinator responsibilities in 2005. His units showed marked improvement, with the 2005 defense ranking 11th nationally in total defense (317.3 yards allowed per game) and third in rush defense (78.5 yards per game), contributing to a 7-5 record and the ' first bowl berth in eight years at the Fort Worth Bowl. Doeren mentored standout linebackers like Nick Reid, the 2005 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. At the University of Wisconsin from 2006 to 2010 under , Doeren started as linebackers coach and co- in 2006-2007 before assuming sole duties from to 2010. The Badgers' defenses ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense multiple times, allowing 12.8 (third nationally) in and supporting four straight bowl appearances, including the . Doeren developed key players such as outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield, a first-round NFL draft pick in 2010, and contributed to top-20 recruiting classes that bolstered the program's sustained success in the Big Ten.

Northern Illinois Huskies

In December 2010, Dave Doeren was hired as head football coach at , replacing who had departed for the . Doeren, coming from five seasons as at , signed a five-year contract and immediately emphasized aggressive play and player development to build on the program's recent momentum. His arrival marked a seamless transition, leveraging his experience in high-stakes Big Ten defenses to instill discipline and innovation in the Huskies' schemes. Doeren's tenure produced an impressive 23–4 overall record across two seasons, including back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in the (MAC) at 8–0 each year. In 2011, his debut campaign, the Huskies finished 11–3 overall, clinched the MAC West Division title, and earned the program's first outright MAC championship since 1983. The team capped the season with a GoDaddy.com Bowl appearance and won 38–20 against Arkansas State. The following year, 2012, NIU went 12–1, again dominating the MAC West before defeating rival Kent State 44–37 in double overtime to secure the conference championship. This success propelled the Huskies to the , where they lost to Florida State 31–10, though Doeren had already departed for a new role. These achievements highlighted his ability to foster consistency and execute under pressure, transforming NIU into a MAC powerhouse. Doeren excelled in recruiting, assembling talented classes that bolstered both lines and skill positions, with 16 of 31 signees in one cycle hailing from to strengthen local pipelines. He particularly championed the development of quarterback , a transfer who evolved into a dual-threat star under Doeren's guidance, rushing for over 1,700 yards and passing for nearly 3,000 in 2012 while becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. Offensively, Doeren adapted a fast-paced spread system, speeding up the from prior schemes to exploit mismatches and emphasize aggressive fourth-down calls—NIU converted 18 of 23 in 2012—while drawing on his roots for stout defensive innovations like versatile front-seven alignments that ranked among the conference's best in points allowed. These strategies not only maximized player strengths but also cultivated a culture of resilience, evident in the team's 17-game MAC winning streak. Doeren's departure came abruptly on December 1, 2012, when he accepted the head coaching position at North Carolina State, just hours after the MAC Championship victory, leaving offensive coordinator to lead the effort. His exit amid rising national profile elevated NIU's visibility as an FBS contender, contributing to facility enhancements like a $3 million donation for an indoor practice facility announced during his tenure to support year-round training. Doeren's legacy at NIU endures through two MAC championships, back-to-back Coach of the Year honors in the conference, and a blueprint for sustained success that positioned the program for continued relevance.

NC State Wolfpack

Dave Doeren was hired as of the on , 2012, following his successful tenure at , where he had led the Huskies to back-to-back bowl appearances and an upset victory over No. 5 in 2012. He replaced Tom O'Brien, signing a five-year contract worth approximately $1.8 million annually. Doeren's early years at NC State were marked by challenges as he worked to rebuild the program. In 2013, the Wolfpack finished 3–9 overall and 0–8 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), struggling with a roster transition and defensive inconsistencies. The team showed improvement in , achieving an 8–5 record and securing their first bowl victory in over a decade with a 34–27 win over in the . This turnaround highlighted Doeren's emphasis on physicality and defensive fundamentals, a philosophy rooted in his previous roles. Midway through his tenure, NC State established greater consistency under Doeren's leadership. The 2015 season ended at 7–6 with a 51–28 loss to Mississippi State in the Belk Bowl. In 2016, the team again finished 7–6, winning the 41–17 over Vanderbilt. In 2017, the Wolfpack reached 9–4 and tied for second in the ACC Atlantic Division, though they fell 52–31 to State in the . The momentum continued into 2018 with a 9–4 finish and a 28–24 win against Texas A&M, showcasing improved recruiting and depth on both lines of scrimmage. The program faced hurdles in subsequent years but also notable peaks. A disappointing 4–8 record in 2019 was followed by an 8–4 campaign in 2020 amid the , ending in a 23–21 loss to . In 2021, NC State posted a 9–3 record (6–2 ACC), tying for second in the Atlantic Division. The 2022 season resulted in 8–5, with a 30–10 defeat to . More recently, the 2023 Wolfpack finished 9–4 but lost the 19–28 to Kansas State, while 2024 ended at 6–7 after a 21–26 loss to East Carolina in the . As of November 19, 2025, the ongoing season stands at 5–5 overall and 2–4 in the ACC, with key victories including a 583-yard offensive outburst in a 42–24 win over then-undefeated on November 1, positioning the team for potential . Under Doeren, NC State has seen significant program developments, including enhanced recruiting that elevated the Wolfpack's national class rankings into the top 35 multiple times, such as No. 20 in 2021, fostering greater talent and in-state retention. Facility upgrades at Carter-Finley Stadium have included expanded concessions, digital mapping, and Raleighwood enhancements like shade structures and entertainment zones ahead of the 2025 season, improving the fan experience and program infrastructure. Doeren's salary has risen substantially, reaching approximately $6.2 million for the 2025 season through contract extensions that underscore his stability. The program has produced numerous NFL draftees during his era, including linebacker (2024 first-round pick by the ) and center (2019 third-rounder by the Minnesota Vikings), totaling 28 selections since 2013. Doeren's strategic focus on defensive emphasis, including aggressive schemes and player development, has been a , contributing to top-20 national defensive rankings in multiple seasons like 2017 and 2021.

Career accomplishments

Head coaching record

Dave Doeren has compiled an overall head coaching record of 115–74 (.608 winning percentage) across 15 seasons from 2011 to 2025. His tenure at spanned two seasons with a 23–4 record (.852 winning percentage), while at NC State he has recorded 92–70 (.568 winning percentage) over 13 seasons through 2025. In conference play, Doeren's teams went 15–1 in the MAC at Northern Illinois and 51–52 in the ACC at NC State. Doeren's bowl game record stands at 4–6, with wins in the 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl (Northern Illinois), 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl (NC State vs. UCF), 2016 Independence Bowl (NC State vs. Vanderbilt), and 2017 Sun Bowl (NC State vs. Arizona); losses came in the 2012 Orange Bowl (Northern Illinois vs. Florida State), 2015 Belk Bowl (NC State vs. Oklahoma State), 2018 Gator Bowl (NC State vs. Texas A&M), 2022 Duke's Mayo Bowl (NC State vs. Maryland), 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl (NC State vs. Kansas State), and 2024 Military Bowl (NC State vs. East Carolina). Key milestones include reaching his 100th career win on October 28, 2023, with a victory over Clemson during NC State's 9–4 season and becoming the program's all-time winningest coach that year, surpassing Earle Edwards' 68 victories. Doeren transitioned from Northern Illinois to NC State following the 2012 season.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

YearTeamOverallConferenceFinishBowl Result
2011NIU11–37–1 (MAC)1st (West)GoDaddy.com Bowl W 38–20 vs. FIU
2012NIU12–18–0 (MAC)1st (West)Orange Bowl L 10–31 vs. Florida State
2013NC State3–90–8 (ACC)7th (Atlantic)
2014NC State8–54–4 (ACC)4th (Atlantic)St. Petersburg Bowl W 34–27 vs. UCF
2015NC State7–63–5 (ACC)4th (Atlantic)Belk Bowl L 13–34 vs. Oklahoma State
2016NC State7–63–5 (ACC)5th (Atlantic)Independence Bowl W 41–17 vs. Vanderbilt
2017NC State9–45–3 (ACC)3rd (Atlantic)Sun Bowl W 14–13 vs. Arizona
2018NC State9–45–3 (ACC)3rd (Atlantic)Gator Bowl L 13–52 vs. Texas A&M
2019NC State4–82–6 (ACC)7th (Atlantic)
2020NC State8–46–2 (ACC)2nd (Atlantic)Gator Bowl (canceled)
2021NC State9–36–2 (ACC)2nd (Atlantic)Holiday Bowl (canceled)
2022NC State8–54–4 (ACC)3rd (Atlantic)Duke's Mayo Bowl L 12–16 vs. Maryland
2023NC State9–46–2 (ACC)T–2nd (ACC)Pop-Tarts Bowl L 19–28 vs. Kansas State
2024NC State6–73–5 (ACC)6th (ACC)Military Bowl L 21–26 vs. East Carolina
2025NC State5–52–4 (ACC)— (as of November 19, 2025)

Awards and honors

Doeren earned national recognition early in his head coaching career, becoming a finalist for the Maxwell Football Club's National Collegiate Coach of the Year Award in 2012 after leading to an undefeated regular season and MAC championship. He was also named a finalist for multiple other national coach of the year honors that year, highlighting his rapid success in transforming the Huskies program. At NC State, Doeren has been frequently included on prestigious award watch lists, reflecting his consistent performance and program-building efforts. In 2018, he appeared on the midseason watch list for the Dodd Trophy, which recognizes major coaches for their leadership on and off the field. He joined the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list in 2021, an honor given to coaches demonstrating excellence in competition, recruitment, and community involvement. Doeren was again named to the Dodd Trophy preseason watch list in 2024. In 2016, Doeren received the "Double D" Award from Drake University, his alma mater, acknowledging his contributions as a four-year letterwinner, Academic All-America honoree, and early coaching assistant who helped secure the program's first Pioneer Football League title. Doeren's recent achievements have brought additional weekly honors. Following NC State's 48-36 upset victory over No. 8 Georgia Tech on November 1, 2025, he was selected as the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week on November 3. The following day, November 4, 2025, Doeren earned the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Week award for the same performance. Doeren has also been featured in various preseason coaching rankings entering the 2025 season, including The Athletic's tiered evaluation of FBS head coaches, where he was placed in Tier 4 alongside peers like Mike Elko and for sustained competitiveness in a power conference.

References

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