Dave Doeren’s Final Address: Gratitude, Change and an Uncertain Future

A farewell without grudges

NC State gave Doeren a chance to speak to the media as he departed. He said he leaves with affection for the university and hopes the Wolfpack can surprise people.

Doeren said his wife, Sarah, had been his rock and that their family loved making Raleigh home. He described arriving with a goal of staying long enough for their sons, Jacob, Luke and Connor, to put down roots.

Thanking the Wolfpack community

Doeren thanked the school administration, athletic director Boo Corrigan, former players and staff. His remarks conveyed appreciation for his time at NC State rather than anger over his departure.

He said he believed he had left the university better than he found it, both on and off the field. Doeren added that he had wanted to win a championship there and would support the program under its next leadership.

An open road ahead

Doeren said he does not know what comes next, but feels excited about the future. He noted that fall had revolved around football for him since fourth grade and said he looks forward to traveling.

A changing college game

Doeren said developing underappreciated players and succeeding with fewer resources had motivated him. He valued beating teams with highly rated recruits and credited his staff and players for improving over time.

He also said college sports have changed, making traditional player development more difficult as players move between programs. Doeren argued that NC State needs resources that match its ambitions, calling that a reality of the sport.