Overview

• Carson Palmer, a former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, has been named head football coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Orange County, California.
• Palmer, who played at Santa Margarita in the late 1990s, led the school to consecutive CIF Southern Section titles before a standout college and professional career.
• The school announced that Palmer's coaching philosophy will emphasize athletic performance, academic success, and character development for student-athletes.
• In 2023, Palmer served as a voluntary assistant coach for Santa Margarita's freshman team, where his son Fletcher played quarterback.
• Palmer's first game as head coach in the 2025 season will be against Mission Viejo High School, led by fellow former USC and NFL quarterback Rob Johnson.