Though he was deemed a healthy scratch for the Colts’ final game of the season, Philip Rivers‘ NFL comeback may not be over quite yet.
While the 44-year-old quarterback will retire from playing for a second time after the end of the regular season, he could stay in the league as a coach. Rivers is expected to receive interest from teams seeking new head coaches this offseason, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, with at least one interview expected.
Both NFL and college teams have considered Rivers for coaching jobs in the past, but he has generally been uninterested. That may have changed after his shocking return to the professional playing field this year.
Rivers’ appeal to NFL teams is obvious. He has already found success as a head coach, albeit as a high school level. His ability to come off the couch and start for the Colts showed that he is still in tune with the pro game. He has ties to a number of coaches across the league and could build a strong staff. Rivers’ age also makes him an old player but would also make him a young head coach. Being a former player would also help him connect with players, many of whom watched Rivers growing up. He had a reputation for taking huge hits in the pocket to get throws off; players who knew their coach gave it his all when he was on the field may be more inclined to do so as well.
The reasons why Rivers might consider a coaching job are just as clear. It would be a new challenge and a significant step up from high school ball. He would be able to stay in the NFL after clearly enjoying his comeback this year. But Rivers also has 11 kids. Taking an NFL coaching job would take him away from his family (or force them to uproot their lives and move).
A career in broadcasting may allow more flexibility; it certainly would not come with the burden and time constraints of being a head coach. He said on Up & Adams this week that he has “not ruled it out,” but noted that other opportunities haven’t “felt right.”
“The one thing I’ve loved since I was however old playing this game and being now as a coach is I’ve been able to have some impact on the score.” Rivers added. “You might be good at it, talking about it, but I have nothing to do with the outcome of this game.”
It’s hard to impact the outcome of the game from the broadcasting booth. But as a coach on the sidelines, everything he does would impact the outcome of the game.
He would be a lot of fun for the Buccaneers
I guess Rivers could be successful in the league as long as he’s not asked to coach birth control.
SMH!!!!!
His scoring prowess on & off the field could make him a solid O.C
Steelers should replace Tomlin with him. Old qb young coach
Rivers would be a perfect fit as coach for the Ravens if they fire Harbaugh
Maybe it would be wise for him to try a lower-level position to begin with. Does anyone really want a Jerod Mayo repeat?
Agree completely. Going from high school to HC of an NFL team is quite a leap.
I think he’ll stay at the high school level for one more year. He coaches two of his sons and one of them will be entering his senior year.
Maybe a qb coach. Anything higher is poor on the organization.
I could see him going as high as a OC.
He should start as a QB coach
But I wouldn’t be surprised if a team like Raiders made him OC to work with Mendoza the way he can command an offense
Same with Cleveland, Baltimore, Steelers if they move on from their HCs.
Start our as Indy’s QB coach working with Jones and Leonard
Move up to OC in Indy or somewhere else
Head coach of your picking
I completely love that idea; add to it that Rivers is obviously familiar with Indy’s system and culture and I don’t see any downside to it.
If Indy wouldn’t consider it, I wonder if a team like Minnesota or the Jets would consider bringing a QB guru in to try and get those programs more on track.
Riley Leonard looked better. Texans didn’t start pulling starters until they saw Jags score in 2nd half.