Key Takeaways
- Russell Wilson left the door open to coaching NC State but stressed his commitment to CBS Sports, saying, “When your alma mater calls, you always answer” and “I love doing what I’m doing.”
- ESPN reported that Wilson interviewed for the Wolfpack’s head coaching job on November 3, while fellow NC State alum Philip Rivers has also drawn interest after six seasons coaching high school football.
- Wilson retired in June after 14 NFL seasons and chose broadcasting over a Jets backup role, while he and Ciara now prepare to welcome their fifth child.
Russell Wilson isn't ruling out a return to college football, but he's not rushing to leave his new job at CBS Sports, either.
Days after reports surfaced that the retired NFL quarterback interviewed for the head coaching position at NC State, Wilson addressed the speculation during a Friday, November 6 appearance on Today with Jenna and Sheinelle. And while he acknowledged the significance of hearing from his former school, he made it clear that he's enjoying life on the other side of the camera.
"Well, listen, when your alma mater calls, you always answer," Wilson said when asked about the reported interview. "Listen, I love doing what I'm doing."
Wilson, who retired from the NFL in June after 14 seasons, has spent the past several months settling into his role as an analyst for CBS Sports. Despite his reported interest in the NC State opening, he isn't making any announcements about abandoning television for the sidelines.
"CBS is amazing, it's a blast," he said. "I'm focused on right now, and now is loving what I'm doing on TV."
The comments come after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Wilson interviewed for the Wolfpack's head coaching vacancy on Nov. 3. NC State is searching for a replacement for Dave Doeren, who was fired Oct. 24, and Wilson isn't the only former quarterback with ties to the program under consideration.
Philip Rivers, another NC State alum and longtime NFL quarterback, is now reportedly nearing a deal to become the school's next head coach. Unlike Wilson, Rivers has coaching experience, having spent six seasons leading St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. His high school season ended Friday, Nov. 6, with a playoff loss.
Wilson's connection to the school runs deep. He played quarterback for NC State from 2008 through 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin for his final college season.
The Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, launching a professional career that included 10 Pro Bowl selections, 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, and a Super Bowl XLVIII championship.
His transition into broadcasting wasn't inevitable, either. Before retiring, Wilson received an offer from the New York Jets to back up former Seahawks teammate Geno Smith. He ultimately chose CBS, exchanging the quarterback room for a studio alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher.
Football wasn't the only subject Wilson discussed on Today. He appeared alongside his wife, Ciara, who is pregnant with her fifth child, their fourth together, affectionately dubbed "Baby Cinco."
"It's funny, when we first met we talked about … bucket lists [and] how many kids we want to have," Wilson recalled. "She always wanted five."
Ciara, who celebrated her 41st birthday in October, explained that growing up as an only child made her want a large family. She also credited Wilson with making her deliveries more comfortable, complete with twinkle lights, Apple TV, and their favorite pillows.
"He makes the process fun for me, especially my deliveries," she said. "It's like a vacation."
