CBS Sports NFL analyst Russell Wilson reportedly interviewed Tuesday for the head coaching job at NC State. The move could put his young CBS Sports career at a crossroads.
What We Know: NC State fired longtime head coach Dave Doeren on October 24. Wilson played three seasons there before 14 NFL seasons with Seattle, Denver, Pittsburgh and the New York Giants. He retired in June, and CBS soon added him and Kyle Long to The NFL Today. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former NC State quarterback Phillip Rivers could also be a candidate for the position.
What’s At Stake: Russell Wilson joined CBS Sports and The NFL Today along with Kyle Long after Matt Ryan took a front office position with the Atlanta Falcons. With the network seeing record viewership for their NFL play by play, continuous turnover with the pre-game show could affect the consistency of the viewership for the program.
What Remains Unclear: First, it’s unclear when NC State will make a hire this season. Additionally, Rivers remains a strong alternative with equally deep Wolfpack roots. Moreover, Wilson would leave CBS after only a partial season. Meanwhile, CBS would need to reshape The NFL Today on short notice.
What It Means: So far, Wilson has silenced doubts about his fit for television. Early critics questioned his persona after his Denver decline, yet viewers have embraced his self-deprecating honesty. In fact, CBS expanded his role with the Set, Hut! digital series alongside Long. Ultimately, his media future seems secure, unless coaching his alma mater proves more appealing.
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