Robbie Gould finally stepped away from his playing career as one of the NFL’s best kickers after almost two decades. He retired as the 10th leading scorer in league history. Not bad for a former undrafted free agent. Like any former player, Gould had to figure out what his next career would be. He decided to take the head coach job for Rolling Meadows High School. It is a familiar step many former players take. His first season was a promising one, too.
The Mustangs won only two games the year before Gould arrived. Gould got them to 5-5 in his first season and made the IHSA playoffs. Though they lost in the first round, this indicated that the program had a promising future. Then, to the surprise of many, Gould stepped down as head coach on December 3rd.
‘‘I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made together at Rolling Meadows,’’ Gould said in a statement. ‘‘Watching these athletes grow not just on the field but as individuals has been an honor. Although it’s time for me to move on, I leave knowing the foundation we’ve strengthened ensures the program is set for continued success.”
Many are wondering why the abrupt change. Is he returning to playing? Is he seeking a media job? SM received information from a source close to Gould. The belief is he’s planning to take a job with St. Viator High School, a private Catholic academy in Arlington Heights.
Tom Zbikowski is a former NFL safety who played for the Bears and Baltimore Ravens during his career. He was also a former Golden Gloves boxer. Most importantly, he’s a native of Arlington Heights and teaches at St. Viator. The source says he recruited Gould to join the program. The two were briefly teammates in 2013. It is believed Gould wasn’t given much sway at Rolling Meadows because it was a public school. St. Viator is a private academy where he’d have more control and resources.
It isn’t clear whether he will get the job yet. The interest in Robbie Gould isn’t surprising. Their football program has been stuck in mediocrity for years, failing to win more than six games in a season since 2007. Their 4-5 finish in 2024 was a major disappointment after going 6-5 the previous year. Perhaps they’re hoping Gould can give them the same jolt he gave Rolling Meadows.
St. Viator has deep connections to the Chicago Bears. Cole Kmet attended the academy before heading to Notre Dame, and his brothers have since done the same. Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton’s son, also went there. The same goes for Brett Basanez, a former quarterback who spent two years with the team in 2009 and 2010. Bears boosters seem to have a strong influence on the school, which further explains the interest in Gould. Caleb Williams even made an appearance there earlier this year. Coincidence? Maybe, but still interesting.
