Carson Palmer, the former USC Heisman Trophy winner and 14-year NFL quarterback, says coaching high school football at his alma mater, Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Santa Margarita, Orange County, California, is exactly where he’s meant to be.
“I didn’t know that this opportunity was going to happen. Once I got here and have been here, I realized this is where I’m supposed to be. This is where God wants me. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Palmer told Tarek Fattal of CBS LA, alongside his son and the team’s quarterback, Fletch Palmer. “This is a really special institution and a special place.”
Before his Heisman Trophy, national championships at USC and 14 years in the NFL, Carson Palmer was a star quarterback at Santa Margarita. He has since returned as head coach and built one of the top high school football programs in the country.
Under his leadership, the Eagles are 21-3, the reigning CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions and CIF Open Division State Champions. The team closed out this regular season at 10-0, a run that included defeating rivals in the competitive Trinity League.
“Having the opportunity to have gone here, played here, and now come back and be here is an incredible experience,” Palmer said. “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
As a Division 1 program, Santa Margarita earned an automatic bye while other CIF teams opened the playoffs this week. The Eagles will take on San Clemente in their opening playoff game as they defend their title.
Palmer drew criticism in August when he named his son the starting quarterback ahead of senior Vanderbilt commit Matthew Smith. Since then, Fletch Palmer has answered doubters, finishing the regular season with 1,501 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and a 65.2 completion percentage, according to MaxPreps.
San Diego State has extended Fletch Palmer a scholarship offer, per 247 Sports, currently his only known offer. With another season of eligibility ahead, he may draw further interest from college programs.
