Drew Brees, Philip Rivers share coaching bond in retirement

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – Former NFL stars Drew Brees and Philip Rivers have a lot in common. Not only did both quarterbacks finish in the top-10 in all-time passing yards and touchdowns, the duo are also sharing their wisdom with the next generation. Since retiring, the former signal callers also proudly go by the title of “coach”.

Brees coaches his son’s 7-on-7 team, while Rivers is the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School.

Brees paid a visit to Mobile on Tuesday night to play pickleball at Surge Entertainment. The Mobile location is one of more than a dozen Surge Entertainment facilities Brees has opened across the Gulf Coast.

WKRG Sports caught up the Saints legend on a multitude of topics, including what fuels him in retirement. Brees acknowledges the passion he and Rivers now share on the sidelines.

“We both love the game,” Brees said. “So we’re going to be involved in the game in some way. He (Rivers) was one of those guys that always talked about going back and being a coach.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Rivers stepped into coaching in 2021 taking over as St. Michael’s head coach. This past season, Rivers led the Cardinals to the program’s first-ever playoff appearance. Steve Rivers (Philip’s father) coached his sons at Athens High School. Likewise, Philip Rivers is coaching his son, Gunner, who is coming off a great season. As a freshman, Rivers threw for more than 3,000 yards with 29 touchdown passes.

“Who knows? He’s coaching future college and NFL talent in his own kids,” said Brees with a smile.

In addition to 7-on-7, Brees is also coaching Pop Warner and helping out with a high school team this fall.

“Honestly, that’s one of my greatest joys is to coach my kids and their friends. So that’s still a huge part of our lives.”

Rivers and the Cardinals return to Class 4A-Region 1 this fall.

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