Former NFL star Philip Rivers takes coaching job at Catholic high school

Rivers: “I’m looking forward to Friday night football games, Saturday workouts with the boys and going to Mass [on] Sundays.”

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Star NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers has officially hung up his helmet and taken a coaching job at a Catholic high school. Rivers, who led the Los Angeles Chargers for 16 years as quarterback, will now bring his know-how to prepare the next generation of athletes.

According to a report from AL.com, after retiring, Rivers had “kicked around” the idea of becoming a commentator for for a while, but no plans were ever formalized. Instead, he signed on as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

Rivers seems ecstatic about the new position. He has barely taken up the role, but already has expressed his wishes to be in it for the long haul. Rivers told AL.com that he wouldn’t mind coaching his own grandchildren there one day. He said:

“I don’t plan on leaving. Of course, as we always say at our house, we will do whatever God’s will is. But I hope I’m right here until I don’t love it anymore or can’t do it anymore. I would love to coach a grandson here even. Things can change, but that is my desire.”

Forming athletes

As a coach, Rivers said that he will focus on “alignment and assignment, fundamentals and teaching and effort,” with his students. While there is no end to the nuance behind a well-oiled football team, his job as an educator will extend off the gridiron. He said:

“I’m looking forward to Friday night football games, Saturday workouts with the boys and going to Mass [on] Sundays.”

Rivers first developed a relationship with St. Michael’s through a friend from the area, leading him to run two summer football camps at the school. He believes that God had a part to play in creating this perfect fit between the school and Rivers’ own faith and football skills.

Rivers may be thrilled, but the real winners are the students. They are now led by a coach who just last year posted 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a 68% completion rating in the NFL.In 2020, in his 17th season, Rivers was rated the #17 QB in the NFL.