Former USC and NFL quarterback Carson Palmer will join the coaching staff.
Unlike Bill Belichick, Palmer has no plans to take his talents to college, instead taking a job as head coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Palmer, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler, played quarterback in high school and served as a volunteer coach for his son's freshman team last season.
The 17-year NFL quarterback and 2002 Heisman winner will replace former coach Anthony Rousier, who was placed on leave following a locker room incident.
Mr. Palmer, 44, was one of three candidates interviewed for the job last week. According to the Orange County Register.
Palmer was an All-Orange County player in 1996 and 1997 when he led Santa Margarita to back-to-back CIF Southern Section championships.
“His soccer background is unparalleled. As an alumnus, he understands the culture,” Santa Margarita President Andy Suric said of Palmer.
“Mr. Carson felt he was called to this job,” Saric added. “And as successful as Carson was as a football player, he was also a wonderful husband, father and human being.”
Palmer will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
The former signal-caller was drafted No. 1 overall by the Bengals in 2003 and played his first seven seasons in Cincinnati.
He spent two seasons with the Raiders before playing his final four games with Arizona.
Palmer completed 3,941 passes for 46,247 yards and 294 touchdowns.
In addition to hiring Palmer, the school issued a statement regarding the situation surrounding Rousier, saying, “There are no concerns that Coach Rousier personally poses a threat to the safety or well-being of our players.”
“Coach Rousier has worked hard to create an environment and culture of safety, respect, instruction, and inclusivity within our football program,” the statement read. “We would like to thank Coach Rousier for his dedication to our school and community. After five years as the head coach of the Santa Margarita Catholic High School football team, we and Coach Rousier have mutually decided to part ways to pursue new opportunities. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
