NC State football has a new record. Dave Doeren earns 78th victory in win over Miami
N.C. State athletic director Boo Corrigan presented Dave Doeren with a jersey following the Wolfpack’s game on Saturday night. It featured his name and the number, 78, to represent the number of wins the program has under Doeren.
The head coach became the most successful in school history after defeating Miami, 20-6, at Carter-Finley Stadium. Doeren moves to 101-61 overall and 78-57 with the Wolfpack.
The accomplishment comes one week after tying the previous record and earning his 100th career win, including his stint at Northern Illinois. He surpassed Earle Edwards, who ended his career with 77 victories with the Wolfpack.
Plus, N.C. State didn’t give up a touchdown to an ACC opponent and became bowl eligible. It was a big night for the Pack to say the least.
Sixth-year linebacker Payton Wilson said Doeren began recruiting him in 10th grade. They’ve known each other for eight years.
“As a team, that’s what we played for today,” Wilson said. “We love coach Doeren. He’s an amazing coach. He’s an amazing player’s coach. We’d fight for him to the end of the day. Getting that record, it probably meant more to us than it did him.
“At the end of the day, this game is about love and who can play for each other harder.”
There was a time – roughly six years ago – that other schools tried to lure Doeren away from Raleigh. His family decided to stay.
After making the decision, Doeren said he told the team he planned to stay and win the record. He wanted to earn that title.
Persistence is one of the character traits he’s most proud of, the 51-year-old added. There have been some tough times, including this season, but he never quit. The record is simply a reflection of that attitude, of the commitment he made to N.C. State.
Doeren said this record isn’t just for him. It’s for everyone who came alongside him through the years.
“(I’m) very proud of all of the coaches that have been here with me throughout this and the players that have been here with me throughout this. It’s an 11-year thing,” Doeren said. “It’s not me, it’s everybody. Very thankful and looking forward to what’s next.”
His career isn’t over, though, so don’t mistake the excitement for quitting. It’s not what he does, after all. Instead, this milestone gave him a chance to reflect.
If he could speak to a past version of himself, Doeren wants younger Dave to find his faith, embrace family, and seek humility.
He’s learned through success. He’s learned from failure. And, he’s definitely learned from the people in his life.
“As a head coach, who’s in that circle of trust with you really matters,” Doeren said. “I can’t say enough about having Ruffin McNeil here with me. Having Ruff by my side has been a pivotal point for me just to be able to sit in that chair in his office and sometimes laugh, but oftentimes just talk about the day. It’s great to have a sounding board like that for any young coach out there. I would tell you to find somebody like that; (who) can work with you and give you that mentorship.”
Doeren celebrated the win with his wife, Sara, their children and several friends from college.
“I’ll surround myself with the people that have been behind me for a long time that I love like family, along with my family,” Doeren said. “We’re going to enjoy this night.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
