Philip Rivers returned to the NFL for a brief stint in 2025, turning back the clock in one of the more unlikely scenarios that we have seen in recent years. And while his playing days are now almost certainly over, his return to the league has sparked some fresh speculation about his future.
Philip Rivers Is Garnering NFL Head Coaching Interest
According to league insider Ian Rapoport, Rivers may garner some interest on the head coaching front this coming offseason.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Colts QB Philip Rivers could garner HC interest this cycle; Meanwhile, the #Vikings start JJ McCarthy today, but likely bring in a veteran QB to add to the room next year. pic.twitter.com/D7j5Z4am2D
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2026
Originally retiring in early 2021 after 17 standout seasons, Rivers walked away from the NFL seemingly for good, only to be coaxed back onto the field in December 2025 when the Colts’ quarterback room was decimated by injuries. In the three games that Rivers played for Indianapolis, he completed 63% of his passes for 544 yards, and threw three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Now that Rivers has officially retired once more, this time “for good,” according to multiple reports, the football world is already probing what comes next. The legendary signal-caller has long been admired for his leadership, football IQ and fiery competitiveness, which has fans musing about a potential future in coaching at the professional level.
In his report on Sunday, Rapoport said that Rivers is expected to get head coach interest in this cycle. He mentions that teams are “doing the research”, and that there will be teams interesting in at least interviewing the 44-year-old.
The hang-up would likely be Rivers’ interest in the whole idea. Prior to his return to the NFL, he was coaching high school football in Alabama, and appears to be comfortable in his role and the life that it brings. In multiple interviews over the last week, Rivers has mentioned going back and coaching his son (who will be a senior at St. Michael Catholic) for the 2026 football season.
Which NFL teams would be interested in bringing Philip Rivers in as a head coach? There are expected to be a healthy amount of job openings this year, including places like Cleveland or Arizona. But will teams really be willing to hand the keys over to someone whose highest level of coaching experience is at the high school level?
