NC State interim head coach Todd Goebbel met with the media to discuss the Wolfpack’s response to the coaching transition, his approach to leading the program over the final five games, and much more.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
The players have talked a lot about finishing strong and how important that is. What does that mean to you going into this weekend?
I’m glad the players are saying it because this is player-led.
I’m filling a very responsible role after a really great man, but it’s about these players.
That’s been the focus of the coaching staff, the support staff, and everyone in this building.
Our job as adults and our responsibility is strictly to make this a great experience during a tough transition for these young men who have poured their hearts into this program.
We owe it to them.
Three great plans have been put in place, and our kids are excited to execute them.
They’re going to do it together, just like they’re supposed to.
What have you seen from the players that shows you they’re still bought into this program?
Probably the biggest thing I’ve seen is that everything we’ve asked them to do over the last four or five days, they’ve done with a really good attitude and excellent effort.
We talk all the time about not allowing circumstances or situations to dictate your attitude or effort.
Those kids have completely bought into that, and you can see it permeating throughout the football team.
You have a unique perspective as both a coach and a father. What message have you given the commitments in the 2027 recruiting class?
You picked this place because it’s a great university.
You picked this place because it’s a storied program with a lot of success.
As we move forward, that’s not going to change.
What have the last few days of practice been like for you in this new role, where you can move around instead of focusing on just one position group?
It’s been unique. It’s been great.
Coach Warren is doing a great job on defense, and I’ve been able to get over there with those guys.
I’ve dealt with most of the players through special teams, so as far as the relationships, knowing how I coach, knowing my voice and knowing my message, it’s been easily adaptable for them.
It’s not a new voice.
Being able to see both sides of the ball has been good.
Coach Zac Roper has done a great job with our special teams.
Being able to be part of the team as a whole instead of being cocooned in your own room has been good and interesting.
At the end of the day, it’s an exciting time.
What have you seen from Cal as you’ve scouted them over the last several days?
Offensively, they’re extremely talented.
They’re multiple with their formations, and they’re creative with their play calls.
Coach Warren and the entire defensive staff have done a good job this week making sure that’s addressed.
Defensively, I think they’re very opportunistic.
From what I remember, they have something like seven interceptions in eight games.
They’re good at finding the football.
They’re opportunistic on defense, and they’re creative and willing to take chances on special teams.
They’ll try to gain possession there.
The message is always to beware of the unexpected, be where you’re supposed to be, and, at the end of the day, execute the call.
Dave Doeren talked in his final press conference about expectations matching the resources given to the program. Boo Corrigan and Chancellor Kevin Howell have since discussed committing more resources to football. What do you think NC State is capable of if those additional resources are provided?
I think NC State has done a really good job up to this point.
That’s not for me to say.
I’m just excited about the opportunity to lead this program over the next five weeks.
At the end of the day, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.
How have you been able to get enough rest and keep your voice fresh with everything on your plate now?
Hard.
But at the end of the day, I was just telling Annabelle that I’ve always had a lot on my plate.
My time-management skills are usually pretty good.
It’s expanded, of course, but I try to lean on my experience with time management and make sure the people who matter the most get the most attention.
As you’ve self-scouted this team over the last couple of days and gotten a chance to watch every side of the ball, what have you seen?
We have unbelievable young men who are willing to do whatever it takes to compete on Saturday.
What are you hoping will be the biggest difference between last week and this week?
All three phases, just playing clean.
That’s been my message.
Bring value to your position.
Be the best one of 11 on the football field.
Be prepared for what’s about to come.
Execute at a high level with the talent God gave you.
Will Wilson is now tied for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NC State history. How unique is his role, and what has he meant to this team?
Will Wilson is very valuable to this football team.
Coach Roper does a really good job of using him to his strengths.
He’s a quarterback, but with the strengths he brings to the situations we put him in, he’s been highly successful.
I’m excited to see his role continue.
He’s done a great job at practice this week, and at the end of the day, he’ll do a great job on Saturday.
What has it been like seeing some of the younger running backs step up, including Deandre Desinor making a big catch last week?
You get what your work deserves.
Every running back who has been put into the game with a role, whatever that role is, has exceeded it.
I’m excited for them because I know how hard they work.
How involved do you expect to be with the offensive and defensive play-calling, and how much of your focus will be on game management?
We have three excellent coordinators who are experts in their fields, and they’re going to do a great job.
They’ve already done a great job preparing these young people.
I’m good with all three phases.
I’ll be more of a game manager.
Not that I won’t have suggestions and things like that, but when you have three experts at their jobs, you let them do their jobs at a high level.
That’s the way I’m going to approach Saturday.
Do you think you’ll be aggressive when it comes to special teams, fourth downs, and other situations where a head coach can have that kind of influence?
My job as a head coach is to put these young people in the best situation possible, whatever that situation is.
We’re going to continue to do that like it’s been done.
What do you think about former NC State players Bill Cowher and Dewayne Washington being brought in to help with the coaching search?
I think that’s excellent.
That’s kind of out of my hands.
My focus has been on this football team and this coaching staff, and that’s where it will continue to be.
You’ll get to lead the Walk of Champions on Saturday. Obviously, these aren’t the circumstances you would have preferred, but what does it mean to have the opportunity to lead NC State?
As I said in my first interview, it’s a huge responsibility and a huge honor to lead these young people.
My job is to understand the responsibility that comes with it.
I’ll do the best I can, and I’m excited to do it on Saturday.
What version of the Wolfpack should NC State fans expect to see Saturday?
Hard. Tough. Together.
