Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers’ dramatic return to the NFL might not be temporary after all. While the 44-year-old is retiring from the game as a player … again … he could remain in the league as a head coach.
Following Rivers’ return to the league, the veteran has reportedly received head-coaching interest around the NFL, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Teams have reportedly done research into Rivers and started making calls about him as a coach, per Rapoport. It’s reached a point where Rivers could get at least one interview from a team this offseason.
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Entering Week 18, two teams — the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans — have openings at head coach. That figure is expected to grow following Sunday’s games. Some coaches could be dismissed before the day is done, while others will be let go Monday.
Rivers’ résumé as a player is impressive. During his first stint in the NFL, Rivers passed for 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns. Those figures rank eighth and sixth, respectively, in NFL history.
After five years off, enough time to make Rivers a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he shockingly returned to the NFL after Colts quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending injury.
Considering the circumstances, Rivers played surprisingly well down the stretch, completing 63% of his passes, with four touchdowns against three interceptions in three games. With the Colts eliminated from postseason contention, Rivers was benched in favor of rookie Riley Leonard in Week 18.
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Leonard had an encouraging first start, combining for three touchdowns, but couldn’t lead the Colts to a win over the Houston Texans in Week 18. Indianapolis fell 38-30 despite the mostly strong performance from Leonard.
Following that announcement, Rivers made it clear his playing days are over. He implied he would go back to coaching high school football in Alabama. Shortly after his first retirement from the NFL, Rivers began coaching high school football.
But with Rivers returning to the NFL, there’s some thought that maybe he would consider remaining in the league as a head coach, per Rapoport. That’s been a barrier in the past, as teams reportedly considered Rivers last offseason, but were told he wasn’t considering making the jump to college or the pros.
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When Rivers announced his return to the NFL after five years away, he instantly became one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NFL season. If that short stint as the Colts’ quarterback leads to a head coaching position next season, it would be a fitting way for Rivers’ improbable comeback to continue.
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