In the wake of a season that can only be described as tumultuous, the NC State Wolfpack football program finds itself at a crossroads. The disappointing 6-7 campaign was punctuated by a season-ending loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl, a game that devolved into an ugly brawl in the final minute. Head coach Dave Doeren offered a somber apology after the incident, but the damage was done – to the team’s record, reputation, and morale.
Now, as the dust settles, the Wolfpack are left to pick up the pieces and chart a course forward. The first order of business? Shaking up the defensive coaching staff. Just 48 hours after the season concluded, NC State fired defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and immediately replaced him with D.J. Eliot, a seasoned coach with stints at Colorado, Kentucky, Kansas, and Temple under his belt.
A New Defensive Direction
Eliot, 48, brings a wealth of experience to the table, including a background in simulated pressures as a scheme specialty. His ACC experience as an assistant at Florida State under Jimbo Fisher from 2010-12 could also prove invaluable, even if the league looks quite different now.
The Wolfpack’s defensive struggles were a key factor in their subpar season. In 2024, NC State ranked a dismal 88th nationally in total defense, surrendering an average of 421.2 yards per game. Against the run, they were even worse, checking in at 106th while allowing 191.1 rushing yards per contest. Eliot’s first task will be to shore up a porous run defense and instill a new level of toughness and discipline.
Offensive Overhaul
But the coaching carousel didn’t stop spinning on the defensive side of the ball. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae was also given his walking papers, with quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper elevated to the OC role in his stead. Gavin Locklear was tabbed as the new tight ends coach to round out the offensive staff shakeup.
The Wolfpack offense had its moments in 2024, but ultimately lacked the consistency and explosiveness to compete at the highest level. NC State averaged a pedestrian 24.5 points per game, good for just 97th nationally. If Roper can unlock the potential of talented but erratic quarterback Devin Leary and bring more balance to the attack, brighter days could be ahead.
Navigating Choppy Waters
Of course, it’s not just X’s and O’s that need addressing. The toxic ending to the Military Bowl cast a pall over the entire program, one that won’t easily be lifted. Coach Doeren faces a monumental challenge to heal the wounds of a fractured locker room and rebuild a winning culture.
To me, it was a terrible response to something that happened to one of our players, and there’s no excuses for it. So I apologize to ECU and their team for the way we responded.
– NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren
Accountability is a start. But repairing the team’s damaged psyche while simultaneously implementing schematic changes on both sides of the ball is a tall order. The pressure is squarely on Doeren to right the ship, and quickly. The margins for error are razor thin in the cutthroat Atlantic Coast Conference.
Reason for Hope?
Despite the gloomy outlook, there are glimmers of optimism in Raleigh. The Wolfpack have never lacked for talent, even if the on-field results haven’t always reflected it. If the new-look coaching staff can harness that potential and keep the team focused between the lines, a bounceback campaign isn’t out of the question.
- D.J. Eliot’s simulated pressure schemes could confuse opposing offenses
- Kurt Roper’s history of developing quarterbacks bodes well for Devin Leary
- A humbled, motivated team may play with a chip on its shoulder
Narrative aside, there is still much work to be done. Improved line play on both offense and defense is essential. Establishing a strong leadership presence to police the locker room and enforce accountability is a must. And closing out close games, something that vexed the Pack all last season, is non-negotiable.
The road ahead is uncertain for NC State football. Wins must come early and often to keep the doubters at bay and prove this program is heading in a new direction. With fresh faces on the coaching staff and hopefully a renewed focus, the Wolfpack faithful can only hope that the darkest days are behind them.
One thing is sure: the college football world will be watching intently to see what unfolds in Raleigh this fall. Will this be the beginning of a new era for NC State? Or will the sins of the past continue to haunt them? Only time will tell, but for the Wolfpack and their passionate fans, the journey starts anew today.
