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Dave Doeren
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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
[edit]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
[edit]Doeren's first coaching job was as wide receivers and defensive line coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas.
College assistant
[edit]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
[edit]On December 13, 2010, he was named the new head coach of the NIU Huskies.
2011 season
[edit]Doeren led the Huskies to a Mid-American Conference Championship and a win in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in his first year.
2012 season
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]| 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
[edit]- ^ NC State claims a forfeit win over UCLA in the 2021 Holiday Bowl which was canceled after UCLA withdrew from the game due to COVID-19 issues in the Bruins' program.[10] The disputed win would be the program's 10th win of the 2021 season and the first double digit win season in Doeren's career with the Wolfpack—the NCAA and ACC do not recognize the forfeit, ruling the bowl a no contest.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "News Observer article". Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ From the Sidelines: Meet Assistant Coach Dave Doeren – UWBadgers.com – The Official Web Site of The Wisconsin Badgers Athletics Archived June 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. UWBadgers.com. Retrieved on December 2, 2012.
- ^ Dave Doeren Profile – UWBadgers.com – The Official Web Site of The Wisconsin Badgers Athletics Archived December 16, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. UWBadgers.com. Retrieved on December 2, 2012.
- ^ "Doeren won't coach in bowl game; NIU hopes to hire coach quickly - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star". Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "NIU football: Northern Illinois extends Dave Doeren's contract one year". Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "NC State hires N. Illinois' Doeren as next coach". ESPN.com. December 1, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
- ^ "The Best Place To Get Sports News - Baltimore News Journal". www.baltimorenewsjournal.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "NC State vs. North Carolina - Game Recap - November 29, 2014 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ WRAL (September 5, 2014). "NC State has 3rd youngest team among FBS 128 :: WRALSportsFan.com". WRALSportsFan.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ Jeyarajah, Shehan; Sallee, Barrett (December 29, 2021). "2021 Holiday Bowl: UCLA withdrawal forces cancellation, NC State coach Dave Doeren says team 'felt lied to'". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ DeCock, Luke (December 29, 2021). "Did NC State football win nine or 10 games this season? It depends on who you ask". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Retrieved December 29, 2021 – via MSN.com.
External links
[edit]Dave Doeren
View on GrokipediaBiography
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.[11][12] Following his father's military service, the family relocated to Shawnee, Kansas, where Doeren spent his formative years.[9] His mother, Susan Doeren, emphasized the importance of education and professional stability, influencing his early academic ambitions.[13] Doeren attended Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, a private Catholic institution, where he participated in multiple sports, including football as a tight end.[3][14] 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.[14] 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.[15] In 1990, Doeren enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, initially aiming to pursue a pre-med degree with plans to become an orthopedic surgeon.[16] He majored in biology and played football for the Bulldogs as a tight end from 1990 to 1993, while maintaining strong academic performance. Doeren graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med biology and later earned a Master's degree in educational leadership from Drake in 1999.[12][17] Although he prepared for medical school by taking the MCAT, Doeren ultimately shifted his focus toward education and athletics in the immediate years following graduation.[7]College playing career
Doeren played college football as a tight end for the Drake Bulldogs from 1990 to 1993, earning four varsity letters during his tenure.[18] 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 Pioneer Football League in 1993.[3][19] As a tight end, 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 1993 aligned with one of Drake's stronger campaigns, as the team finished 8–2 overall and tied for second in the inaugural Pioneer Football League 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.[3] 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.[3][18] 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.[3]Personal life
Dave Doeren met his wife, Sara, while serving as a graduate assistant coach at Drake University, 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 Kansas to Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and eventually North Carolina.[3][7] The Doerens have three sons: Jacob (born 1999), Luke (born 2002), and Connor (born 2006). Their oldest son, Jacob, was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as a preschooler, an experience that profoundly shaped the family's perspective on neurodiversity 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.[3][20] 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.[21][22][23][24] 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.[21][22][23]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 Shawnee, Kansas, where he handled wide receivers and defensive line duties.[25] Following his playing career at Drake University, Doeren transitioned to collegiate coaching as a graduate assistant and linebackers coach for the Drake Bulldogs from 1995 to 1996.[3] In 1997, he was promoted to defensive coordinator 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 Pioneer Football League titles in 1995 and 1998 (though the latter was after his departure).[26] Doeren served as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Southern California from 1998 to 1999 under head coach Paul Hackett, working primarily with the defense during a period that included a 1999 Sun Bowl appearance. From 2000 to 2001, Doeren coached the secondary and served as recruiting coordinator for the Montana Grizzlies, helping the team achieve a 25-3 record and reach the NCAA Division I-AA national championship game in 2001, where they defeated Furman 13-6 for the title.[27] 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 University of Kansas Jayhawks in 2002 as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator under Mark Mangino, 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 Jayhawks' first bowl berth in eight years at the Fort Worth Bowl.[28] Doeren mentored standout linebackers like Nick Reid, the 2005 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.[29] At the University of Wisconsin from 2006 to 2010 under Bret Bielema, Doeren started as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator in 2006-2007 before assuming sole defensive coordinator duties from 2008 to 2010. The Badgers' defenses ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense multiple times, allowing 12.8 points per game (third nationally) in 2008 and supporting four straight bowl appearances, including the 2010 Rose Bowl. 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 Northern Illinois University, replacing Jerry Kill who had departed for the University of Minnesota. Doeren, coming from five seasons as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, 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.[30] Doeren's tenure produced an impressive 23–4 overall record across two seasons, including back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in the Mid-American Conference (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.[31] 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 Orange Bowl, 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.[32][33][34] Doeren excelled in recruiting, assembling talented classes that bolstered both lines and skill positions, with 16 of 31 signees in one cycle hailing from Illinois to strengthen local pipelines. He particularly championed the development of quarterback Jordan Lynch, a junior college 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 tempo from prior schemes to exploit mismatches and emphasize aggressive fourth-down calls—NIU converted 18 of 23 in 2012—while drawing on his Wisconsin 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.[35][36][32] 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 Rod Carey to lead the Orange Bowl 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.[37][38][33]NC State Wolfpack
Dave Doeren was hired as head coach of the NC State Wolfpack on December 1, 2012, following his successful tenure at Northern Illinois, where he had led the Huskies to back-to-back bowl appearances and an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin in 2012.[39][40] He replaced Tom O'Brien, signing a five-year contract worth approximately $1.8 million annually.[39][41] 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.[2] The team showed improvement in 2014, achieving an 8–5 record and securing their first bowl victory in over a decade with a 34–27 win over Central Florida in the Birmingham Bowl.[2] This turnaround highlighted Doeren's emphasis on physicality and defensive fundamentals, a philosophy rooted in his previous roles.[42] 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.[43] In 2016, the team again finished 7–6, winning the Independence Bowl 41–17 over Vanderbilt.[44] In 2017, the Wolfpack reached 9–4 and tied for second in the ACC Atlantic Division, though they fell 52–31 to Arizona State in the Sun Bowl.[2] The momentum continued into 2018 with a 9–4 finish and a 28–24 Gator Bowl win against Texas A&M, showcasing improved recruiting and depth on both lines of scrimmage.[2] 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 COVID-19 pandemic, ending in a 23–21 Gator Bowl loss to Kentucky.[2] In 2021, NC State posted a 9–3 record (6–2 ACC), tying for second in the Atlantic Division.[45] The 2022 season resulted in 8–5, with a 30–10 Gator Bowl defeat to Maryland.[2] More recently, the 2023 Wolfpack finished 9–4 but lost the Pop-Tarts Bowl 19–28 to Kansas State,[46] while 2024 ended at 6–7 after a 21–26 loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl.[47] 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 Georgia Tech on November 1, positioning the team for potential bowl eligibility.[48][49] 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.[50][51] 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.[52][53] Doeren's salary has risen substantially, reaching approximately $6.2 million for the 2025 season through contract extensions that underscore his stability.[54] The program has produced numerous NFL draftees during his era, including linebacker Payton Wilson (2024 first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers) and center Garrett Bradbury (2019 third-rounder by the Minnesota Vikings), totaling 28 selections since 2013.[55][56] Doeren's strategic focus on defensive emphasis, including aggressive schemes and player development, has been a cornerstone, contributing to top-20 national defensive rankings in multiple seasons like 2017 and 2021.[42][57]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.[2] His tenure at Northern Illinois 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.[2] In conference play, Doeren's teams went 15–1 in the MAC at Northern Illinois and 51–52 in the ACC at NC State.[2] 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).[2] 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.[58][59] Doeren transitioned from Northern Illinois to NC State following the 2012 season.[37]Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Finish | Bowl Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | NIU | 11–3 | 7–1 (MAC) | 1st (West) | GoDaddy.com Bowl W 38–20 vs. FIU |
| 2012 | NIU | 12–1 | 8–0 (MAC) | 1st (West) | Orange Bowl L 10–31 vs. Florida State |
| 2013 | NC State | 3–9 | 0–8 (ACC) | 7th (Atlantic) | — |
| 2014 | NC State | 8–5 | 4–4 (ACC) | 4th (Atlantic) | St. Petersburg Bowl W 34–27 vs. UCF |
| 2015 | NC State | 7–6 | 3–5 (ACC) | 4th (Atlantic) | Belk Bowl L 13–34 vs. Oklahoma State |
| 2016 | NC State | 7–6 | 3–5 (ACC) | 5th (Atlantic) | Independence Bowl W 41–17 vs. Vanderbilt |
| 2017 | NC State | 9–4 | 5–3 (ACC) | 3rd (Atlantic) | Sun Bowl W 14–13 vs. Arizona |
| 2018 | NC State | 9–4 | 5–3 (ACC) | 3rd (Atlantic) | Gator Bowl L 13–52 vs. Texas A&M |
| 2019 | NC State | 4–8 | 2–6 (ACC) | 7th (Atlantic) | — |
| 2020 | NC State | 8–4 | 6–2 (ACC) | 2nd (Atlantic) | Gator Bowl (canceled) |
| 2021 | NC State | 9–3 | 6–2 (ACC) | 2nd (Atlantic) | Holiday Bowl (canceled) |
| 2022 | NC State | 8–5 | 4–4 (ACC) | 3rd (Atlantic) | Duke's Mayo Bowl L 12–16 vs. Maryland |
| 2023 | NC State | 9–4 | 6–2 (ACC) | T–2nd (ACC) | Pop-Tarts Bowl L 19–28 vs. Kansas State |
| 2024 | NC State | 6–7 | 3–5 (ACC) | 6th (ACC) | Military Bowl L 21–26 vs. East Carolina |
| 2025 | NC State | 5–5 | 2–4 (ACC) | — | — (as of November 19, 2025) |
