Philip Rivers Accepts Coach-In-Waiting Position

Philip Rivers is one step ahead. The accomplished quarterback already has his next career lined up for when he decides to hang up the cleats. Rivers has decided to accept the Head Football Coaching position for St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama when he decides to retire from the NFL.

Rivers got emotional in a press conference announcing the hire.

"I know I'm going to get a little emotional. I had two childhood dreams. One was to play in the NFL, and I've been able to do that now going into my 17th season and I still love that. The other is to be a high school football coach as my dad did," said Rivers.

Rivers, an Alabama native, played football for his father at Athens High School in the late 1990s. He was recruited by Alabama and Auburn but largely as a defensive back, Rivers opted to attend North Carolina State in order to continue playing quarterback.

He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and played for the organization for 16 years. Rivers is now with the Indianapolis Colts, who signed him to a 1-year $25 million contract. At 38-years old, Rivers is in the twilight of his career but when exactly he will retire is still up in the air.

"I think it is a one year at a time deal. You get to 38 and play as long as I have … I’ve expressed publicly and the Colts have said too they hope it’s more than one year. But we take it one year at a time. I love playing. When that time does end, you will get the same passion and work ethic at this school and community that I’ve poured into my career," said Rivers, according to AL.com.

The accomplished quarterback has two sons and seven daughters, one son is entering the sixth grade and the other is entering the third grade. Rivers has expressed the desire to coach them as his father coached him.

He began building a relationship with St. Michael two years ago when he held a summer football camp at the school. He has held consecutive camps at the school and grown comfortable in the area.

Rivers will be taking over at a school that has struggled on the gridiron, the St. Michael's program began in 2017 and has a 3-18 overall record.