Carson Palmer Named Head Football Coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

The former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner will lead the program at his alma mater, focusing on athletic, academic, and character development.

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.