Carson Palmer Named Head Coach at Santa Margarita High School

The former NFL quarterback and Heisman winner returns to his alma mater to lead its football program after a turbulent season.

Carson Palmer, a 2002 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback, has been hired as the varsity head coach at Santa Margarita High School, where he played in the 1990s.
Palmer replaces Anthony Rouzier, who parted ways with the school after being placed on administrative leave following a locker room incident involving student misconduct.
Palmer's son, Fletch, is a freshman quarterback at Santa Margarita, and Palmer spent the 2024 season as a volunteer coach for the freshman team.
Santa Margarita competes in the highly competitive Trinity League, home to national powerhouses like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, presenting a significant challenge for Palmer in his new role.
School officials and community members view Palmer’s return as a full-circle moment, bringing his NFL experience and leadership to a program aiming to rebuild after a 5-7 season.