NC State’s head coach, Dave Doeren, has made some notable changes to the football staff ahead of the 2026 season.
First up, Charley Wiles is stepping into the role of Director of High School Relations. With 40 years of coaching experience, he spent the last six seasons as the Wolfpack’s defensive line coach. Wiles takes over from Henry “Coach T” Trevathan, who retired on February 1 after a decade in the position.
Doeren expressed gratitude for Trevathan’s contributions, highlighting his ability to build strong relationships in the community and within the program. “We will truly miss him,” Doeren said. He also shared his confidence in Wiles, noting that Wiles is a fantastic mentor with deep connections across college football.
As Wiles transitions off the field, DJ Eliot will now coach the Ends and Jacks. Meanwhile, Elisha Shaw steps in to lead the defensive tackles and nose guards.
Isaiah Moore, a former Wolfpack captain and defensive quality control coach, is moving up to mentor the inside linebackers. Moore had a distinguished playing career, starting for five seasons and serving as a three-time captain. After a brief period with the Kansas City Chiefs, he has returned to NC State, progressing through the coaching ranks.
“Isaiah has deep roots here at NC State and has helped shape our culture,” Doeren said, praising Moore’s work with the linebackers last season. “He has a bright future ahead as a coach.”
In off-field changes, Kevin Cristello has been appointed as Assistant Athletic Director and Football Chief of Staff. He joins NC State following a similar role at Coastal Carolina and has prior experience in football operations at Nebraska and Eastern Kentucky.
These changes reflect a commitment to strengthening the foundation of the Wolfpack program. As college football evolves, maintaining strong relationships and a supportive culture is more important than ever. Recent studies show that teams with strong community ties and good internal culture have higher success rates on the field.
Staying connected with local high schools can also boost recruitment. Engaging young athletes early can help build a future talent pipeline. Through Wiles’ new role, NC State aims to nurture those relationships further.
As fans gear up for the upcoming season, it’s clear that NC State is preparing for a promising future. The blend of experienced coaches and fresh ideas sets the stage for exciting developments ahead.
