“N.C. State announced (Dave) Doeren’s hiring Saturday — less than 24 hours after he guided the 19th-ranked (Northern Illinois) Huskies to their second consecutive Mid-American Conference championship, and just six days after firing Tom O’Brien.”
– Associated Press
“This season, Northern Ilinois averaged 40.8 points per game and is in the top 15 nationally in rushing offense (ninth), scoring offense (10th), third-down conversions (15th), and total offense (15th).”
– Andrea Adelson, ESPN.com
“Doeren was also reportedly on Purdue’s and Auburn’s lists, with good reason. He’s 23-4 in two years since taking over for Jerry Kill, with two straight MAC championships and a bowl victory to his name. His strength is on the defensive side of the ball, believe it or not, with his previous experience at Wisconsin, Kansas and elsewhere coming on that side of the ball.”
– Jason Kirk, SB Nation
“Doeren compiled a 23-4 record in two seasons at NIU. That brief stretch includes two MAC titles. Incoming recruits have been told that Huskies’ offensive line coach Rod Carey will replace Doeren.”
– Rana L. Cash Sporting News
“Northern Illinois has become an ideal career launching point for ambitious football coaches ultimately seeking a higher national profile, stronger competition, improved facilities and more money.”
– Fred Mitchell, Chicago Tribune
“Coach Dave Doeren is a highly motivated overachiever who shares our goals to pursue aggressively a high level of achievement in the classroom and on the field of competition.”
– Debbie Yow, NC State athletic director
“What Dave has done here in two seasons has been unprecedented. His record on the field speaks for itself, and the family atmosphere and culture of hard work he has fostered have led directly to our success. Under Dave and his staff, Northern Illinois has gone from being a great team to being a great program.”
– Jeff Compher, Northern Illinois athletic director
“I am honored and excited to join the Wolfpack. NC State has world-class facilities and fans that are second to none,” Doeren said in a statement. “I want to thank chancellor (Dr. Randy)Woodson and Debbie Yow for this tremendous opportunity. My family and I can’t wait to get to Raleigh and become Wolfpackers. While I look forward to our future at State, I want to acknowledge and thank the Northern Illinois players and fans for their support the last two years, especially president (John) Peters and Jeff Compher.”
– Dave Doeren, new NC State coach
“He’s a very good recruiter. He’s bright, energetic and a tireless worker. I really think everyone in Raleigh is going to like Dave.”
Former Kansas Jayhawks head coach Mark Mangino
“If there’s a question about his ability to live up to Yow’s promise, it would be over Doeren’s ability to recruit at an ‘Alabama’ level – or even at a level higher than O’Brien, who struggled keeping pace with his ACC and SEC regional rivals on the recruiting trail.”
Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports