Carson Palmer Returns as Santa Margarita Coach

Carson Palmer, a former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, has been named the head football coach at his alma mater, Santa Margarita High School. Palmer, who played 15 seasons in the NFL and achieved significant success at USC, will now lead the Eagles, a team competing in the highly competitive Trinity League. Prior to this appointment, Palmer was involved in coaching the freshman team, where his son, Fletch Palmer, plays as a quarterback. Palmer is taking over from Anthony Rouzier, who was placed on administrative leave amid a locker room incident, with Steve Fifita serving as interim coach for the remainder of the 2024 season. The decision to appoint Palmer comes as the school seeks to bolster its program against formidable league opponents like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. This move marks Palmer's return to his roots, where he previously led the Eagles to back-to-back CIF championships during his high school years.