Dave Doeren recognized with National Coach of the Week Honors
11/4/2025 3:00:00 PM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – After leading NC State to a 48-36 victory over No. 8 Georgia Tech last weekend, Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren was named Coach of the Week by both the Dodd Trophy and the Bear Bryant Award.
The way Coach Doeren had his team respond to adversity and play with complete belief is a reflection of true leadership, said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. He continues to model the values that define The Dodd Trophy and has built NC State into one of the most consistent programs in the ACC during his time in Raleigh.
Heading into the contest with eighth-ranked Georgia Tech, the Pack had lost four of its last five games and did not have two of its top offensive targets. It didn't matter as the win marked the Wolfpack's highest-ranked win since 2012 and handed the Yellow Jackets their first loss of the season.
Throughout the week, the program's theme was Loyalty, a word displayed around the football facility to serve as a constant reminder of belief and unity during challenging times. That message carried into Saturday's performance as NC State overcame the loss of several key starters, including the ACC's leading rusher Hollywood Smothers, top receiver Justin Joly, and two offensive linemen. Redshirt freshman Duke Scott, making his first career start in place of Smothers, delivered a breakout performance with 196 rushing yards on 24 carries and a touchdown, adding 11 receiving yards to total 207 yards on the night.
Quarterback CJ Bailey was efficient and dynamic throughout the game, completing 24 of 32 passes for 340 yards and three total touchdowns, highlighted by long scoring plays to Terrell Anderson and Teddy Hoffmann. NC State finished with 583 total yards of offense and scored on eight of 10 drives, with six going for touchdowns.
On defense, the Wolfpack contained Georgia Tech's high-powered offense with a fast, physical approach. Four defenders recorded double-digit tackles, including Caden Fordham, who matched his career high with 15 tackles, as NC State's defensive front consistently disrupted the Yellow Jackets' rhythm.
Now in his 13th season at the helm, Doeren has built NC State into one of the ACC's most consistent and respected programs by emphasizing the team over the individual – the Pack over the lone wolf. Since his arrival in 2012, Doeren has cultivated a culture of loyalty, hard work, and accountability. Under his leadership, NC State has recorded 87 victories, the most in school history, while posting at least eight wins in six of the last eight seasons. Doeren currently holds the second-longest tenure in the ACC and the sixth-longest in the FBS, a reflection of the sustained success and stability he has brought to Raleigh.
Coach Doeren has fostered a culture that values perseverance, teamwork, and giving back, said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and president. Saturday's win over a top-10 opponent shows how belief and preparation can overcome adversity, and it perfectly captures the spirit of The Dodd Trophy.
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and integrity.
