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Colts: Philip Rivers is literally turning around the high school program he’s coaching

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates his teams 31-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates his teams 31-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Remember when it was reported that Carson Wentz needed foot surgery and could’ve potentially missed the first four games of the season?

That forced fans into a state of panic and led to rumors that the Colts would consider a reunion with Philip Rivers, who told the Los Angeles Times last month that he’d consider a return to the NFL if a team was desperate for quarterback help.

The Colts certainly fell under that category for a few days. However, the emergence of both Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger, coupled with Wentz’s miraculous return to practice just two weeks removed from surgery, squashed the reunion rumors.

As a result, Rivers kept on coaching St. Michael Catholic High in Alabama, where he’s enjoyed incredible success thus far.

Not only did Rivers lead St. Michael to a 49-0 victory in their first game of the season, but the former Colts quarterback helped his Cardinals notch a win over the No. 8-ranked Jackson High School on Thursday night.

It was St. Michael’s first ever region win.

Former Colts QB Philip Rivers is turning the St. Michael football program around.

For as much as we would’ve loved to see Rivers back in a Colts uniform, it’s equally satisfying to know he’s killing it as a coach. For those who don’t know, St. Michael was a laughingstock before Rivers took over.

Their aforementioned first win of the year was the varsity program’s sixth victory since the school opened back in 2016. In the three previous seasons (they didn’t play last year due to COVID-19), the Cardinals logged a heinous 5-25 record.

We all know that winning is engrained in Rivers’ DNA. Though he didn’t enjoy much playoff success, he finished 134-106 over his NFL career. That’s good for a .558 win percentage, which ranks 12th all time for quarterbacks that have made at least 200 starts in their respective careers.

We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but it would appear that Rivers is laying the groundwork for what could be a very successful coaching career. If he transforms St. Michael, a former bottom-feeder, into a perennial powerhouse, don’t be surprised if he makes the leap into the college ranks.

The best part? He’s loving every second of it.

What an awesome story for Rivers.

It’s certainly early into the Cardinals’ season, but they look poised to enjoy their best campaign in program history under the eight-time Pro Bowler‘s tutelage.

We knew his intensity and overall love for the game of football was going to lead to something after he retired. Some thought he’d experiment with broadcasting, but coaching is definitely his post-NFL calling card.

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