Total Pro Sports
Philip Rivers’ NFL story took an unexpected turn in 2025. The future Hall of Fame quarterback, who first retired in 2021 after a brilliant 17-year career, made a surprise comeback with the Indianapolis Colts late in the season, answering the call after injuries struck the team’s quarterback room.
Although Rivers (44) has now officially retired from playing again, his time in the league may not be over. Rumors are rapidly circulating that NFL teams are considering Rivers as a potential head coaching candidate for the 2026 hiring cycle, thanks to his leadership experience and fresh exposure from his December return.
After nearly five years away from the professional game, Rivers’ brief return with the Colts reminded the league of several qualities that make him attractive as a coaching prospect:
Most importantly, NFL teams have begun conducting background research on Rivers as a potential head coach, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Former Colts QB Philip Rivers is viewed as a potential head coach candidate this hiring cycle and the current belief is that Rivers will get at least one opportunity to interview, possibly more, per @RapSheet.
Before returning to the NFL after being retired for four years,… pic.twitter.com/1AKucBaxfB
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 4, 2026
Reports suggest that Rivers, before his brief return to playing, was previously contacted about coaching opportunities but declined to engage because he wanted to focus on his family and personal commitments.
Although Rivers has never coached at the college or professional level, he has gained coaching experience through his work as a high school football head coach, where he has developed young players and mentored athletes, including his son.
While Philip Rivers’ playing days are officially over following his brief 2025 comeback with the Colts, his NFL future could take a new direction in 2026, not on the field, but on the sidelines. Several teams have already begun researching him as a potential head coaching candidate, and Rivers may receive one or more interviews this offseason.
