Carson Palmer returning to alma mater to coach high school football

Former USC and NFL quarterback Carson Palmer is joining the coaching ranks. 

Unlike Bill Belichick, Palmer won’t be taking his talents to college but will instead be taking over as head coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. 

Palmer, the three-time NFL Pro Bowler, played quarterback for the high school and was a volunteer coach last season for the freshman team his son played on. 

The 17-year NFL quarterback and 2002 Heisman winner is replacing former coach Anthony Rouzier, who had been placed on administrative leave due to a locker room incident. 

Palmer, 44, was one of three candidates who interviewed for the position last week, according to the Orange County Register. 

Palmer was an All-Orange County player in 1996 and 1997 and led Santa Margarita to back-to-back CIF Southern Section titles. 

“His football pedigree is unmatched. As an alum he understands the culture,” Santa Margarita president Andy Sulick said about Palmer. 

“Carson felt he was called to this job,” Sulick added. “And as much success as Carson has had as a football player he’s also a great husband, father and man.”

Palmer was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. 

The former signal-caller was selected first overall in 2003 by the Bengals and played his first seven seasons in Cincinnati. 

He spent two seasons with the Raiders before playing the final four with Arizona. 

Palmer completed 3,941 passes for 46,247 yards and 294 touchdowns. 

Along with the hiring of Palmer, the school also released a statement about the situation that involved Rouzier and explained that there were not “any concerns by us that Coach Rouzier personally posed a threat to any of his players’ safety and well being.”

“Coach Rouzier worked to create an environment and culture of safety, respect, mentorship, and inclusivity in our football program,” a statement read. “We thank Coach Rouzier for his contributions to the school and community. After five seasons as the head coach of the Santa Margarita Catholic High School football team, we and Coach Rouzier have parted ways as we both pursue new opportunities. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”