Former Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers drew a ton of attention when he unretired after a five-year hiatus, and he drew even more when he was interviewed by the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching position. However, he’s put those ideas on ice. Rivers has taken his name out of consideration, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo.
Rivers has no experience as a coach or coordinator in the NFL, but he has experience coaching football. After his first retirement in 2020, Rivers was head coach for the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals, a high school team near his home in Alabama.
Rivers was inspired by his father to coach, and he did quite well for himself. In his five seasons as head coach, he led the Cardinals to a 43-15 record, including a 13-1 record in 2025, where they lost in the state semifinals. He even got to coach his son Gunner, who is a four-star NC State recruit from 2027.
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On Dec. 10, 2025, the Colts signed Rivers to the practice squad after an injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Three days later, they elevated him from the practice squad, with the NFL even allowing Rivers to wear the No. 17 that Jones wore during the season. He went 0-3, completing 58-of-92 passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention in Rivers’ last start against the Jacksonville Jaguars
For Chargers fans who want to see Rivers in the Hall of Fame, they’ll have to wait another five years, since he restarted his clock by playing. However, Rivers has the stats to have a bust in Canton. He has 63,984 passing yards, 425 touchdowns and 212 interceptions throughout his career. He could easily become a QB coach or coordinator in the NFL if he wants, but he’s not going to be head coach of the Buffalo Bills.