*The following is a press release from St. Michael Catholic regarding a change in leadership for its football program.*

St. Michael Catholic High School congratulates Head Football Coach Philip Rivers on his appointment as head football coach at North Carolina State University and announces that longtime assistant coach Simon Cortopassi will take the reins as the Cardinals' new head football coach.

Rivers concludes six seasons at St. Michael, leaving an impressive legacy both on and off the field.

Under his leadership, the Cardinals compiled a 49-20 record, reached the AHSAA Class 4A state semifinals in both 2024 and 2025, and established themselves as a competitive force in Alabama high school football.

More importantly, Rivers helped build a program centered on faith, hard work, character, and developing young men through the game of football.

"We are incredibly grateful to Philip for the time, energy and heart he has poured into St. Michael," Principal Dr. Andrea Williamson said. "He helped establish a strong foundation for our football program and made a lasting impact on hundreds of young men. We are especially grateful for the opportunity he gave our community to watch him coach his son, Gunner, and for the example he set of leading with purpose both on and off the field. While we will certainly miss him on the sidelines, we couldn't be happier for Philip and his family as they begin this exciting new chapter. We look forward to cheering for the Wolfpack!"

For Rivers, the opportunity to coach at St. Michael carried a special significance.

Returning to his home state and having the opportunity to coach his son was a dream fulfilled.

Four of his other children also attended St. Michael, making the school and its community an important part of the Rivers family's story.

"There are a lot of emotions in making this decision, and saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much to us is never easy. For the past six years, my family and I have loved being a part of this incredible community. We didn't even have a stadium those first few years, yet we built so many great memories together through it all. From Friday night lights to everyday moments in town, the love and support you have shown us will stay with us forever...

...I am deeply thankful for every single player who put on the jersey and gave their all, as well as the assistant coaches who poured countless hours into this program. My family and I know without a doubt that this next chapter is where we are meant to be, and we are excited for the opportunity in front of us. Nunc coepi! — now we begin. At the same time, a piece of our hearts will always remain right here...

I have great confidence in the future of this program. Simon Cortopassi and this coaching staff will continue to build the football program in a manner that makes St. Michael Catholic High School and the community proud—TOGETHER! We will always pull for the Cardinals."

Cortopassi Named Head Football Coach

St. Michael is pleased to announce that Simon Cortopassi has been named the next head football coach.

This season marked Cortopassi's ninth year coaching football at St. Michael.

He began his tenure as the Cardinals' Linebackers Coach before serving as Defensive Coordinator in his second and third years.

For the past six seasons, he has served as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach, playing an integral role in developing the program.

Cortopassi is also in his fourth year as Co-Athletic Director, bringing valuable leadership and experience to St. Michael's athletic department.

"Simon is the right person for our next chapter," Dr. Williamson said. "He has been here from the beginning. He knows our players, understands our culture, and has helped build the very program he is now being asked to lead. We have tremendous confidence in his ability to provide the experience, consistency, and leadership our players and families deserve. This is a natural next step for Simon and an opportunity for him to take the reins of a program he knows so well. We are excited about the future of St. Michael football."

Cortopassi's appointment provides continuity for a program that has grown through the dedication and collaboration of its coaching staff. His experience working alongside Rivers and his longstanding relationships with players and families position him to build on the foundation already established.

"I'm honored to take on this opportunity and grateful for the six years I've spent working alongside Coach Rivers," Cortopassi said. "His leadership and vision have laid an incredible foundation for this program. I look forward to continuing that work, investing in our players, and moving this team forward. My family and I are excited for this next chapter."

St. Michael Catholic High School congratulates Philip Rivers and his family on this exciting opportunity and looks forward to the next chapter of Cardinals football under the leadership of Simon Cortopassi.

*The school also revealed that Stephen Rivers will be taking over offensive-coordinator duties.*