Tennessee’s seemingly never-ending quest to find a new head coach is at least working out well for rumored coaching targets and their wallets.
In the wake of failed overtures to lure Dave Doeren to Knoxville, N.C. State announced on Thursday afternoon that their head coach has instead agreed to a new five-year deal to remain with the Wolfpack for the foreseeable future. The contract, which should take the coach through the 2022 season in Raleigh and is pending board approval, is worth nearly $15 million over the life of the deal.
Doeren, whose birthday comes on Sunday, is 33-30 in five seasons at N.C. State after arriving from Northern Illinois.
“My heart is at NC State, my family and I are truly grateful to Chancellor (Randy) Woodson and Athletic Director Debbie Yow for the opportunity to continue to build on the momentum we have here in Raleigh,” said Doeren in a statement. “We’re building a championship culture, we have first-class facilities, incredible fan support and I’m honored to continue to lead the Wolfpack.”
While the Wolfpack are just 15-25 in ACC play under his tenure, the team has peaked this season with a second place finish in the Atlantic Division and are ranked No. 24 in the penultimate College Football Playoff standings following an 8-4 campaign in the regular season. An extension between Doeren and the program has reportedly been in the works for weeks but that extra push to get a deal done appeared to come less than 24 hours after Tennessee seriously pursued the coach to fill their opening.
According to a source, Doeren's offer from Tennessee was worth at least $1 million more annually
— Joe Giglio (@giglio_OG) November 30, 2017
Since Doeren will be remaining in North Carolina, the Vols are reportedly turning their sights on former Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin, among several candidates that have been mentioned to be on their radar.
