Carson Palmer Named Santa Margarita Head Coach

Former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer has been appointed as the head coach of Santa Margarita Catholic High School's football team, his alma mater, in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Palmer, a Heisman Trophy winner and three-time Pro Bowler, takes over from Anthony Rouzier, who was placed on administrative leave during the 2024 season due to a locker room incident. Palmer had been volunteering as a coach for the freshman team, where his son plays as quarterback. Known for his illustrious career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals, Palmer is set to bring his football expertise back to the high school level. The school competes in the challenging Trinity League, which includes national powerhouses like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. Palmer's return marks a trend of former NFL players entering high school coaching, similar to Teddy Bridgewater's recent move in Florida.