Philip Rivers Being Considered For Surprising NFL Gig: Report
By Jason Hall
January 4, 2026
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is reportedly viewed as a potential head coaching candidate for the upcoming offseason hiring cycle, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday (January 4).
Rivers, 44, served as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, before coming out of retirement to join the Colts last month.
"Several sources say Rivers could end up as a head coach candidate this cycle and the current belief is that Rivers gets at least one opportunity to interview, possibly more. Only two teams currently have head coach openings -- the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans -- though that number is expected to grow after Sunday," Rapoport wrote for NFL.com. "Sources say that teams have been doing research on Rivers as a candidate and making background calls. That happened last year, as well. Rivers previously has never been willing to engage -- not with college or NFL teams -- but hisĀ dramatic return to the NFLĀ in December might have sparked his interest."
After making a brief return as a player, Philip Rivers could receive head coach interest this offseason, per @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/qONhfDWKvX
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 4, 2026
The Colts started rookie Riley Leonard over Rivers, who was ruled inactive, in their final regular season game on Sunday (January 4). The veteran quarterback went 0-3 in three starts with the Colts in 2025, throwing for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions on 58 of 92 passing.