Saint Viator High School announced Wednesday that Robbie Gould plans to resign as the school’s head football coach after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The move gives Saint Viator a clear timeline for the end of Gould’s current run, while also allowing the program to plan ahead for what comes next. Gould, an 18-year NFL veteran, returned to the football world after a playing career that included 10 seasons with the Chicago Bears and a final stop with the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely considered the best kicker in Bears history, and his name has remained closely tied to football in Illinois.
What Saint Viator said
Ryan Aiello said the school is grateful for Gould’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to student-athletes. He also said Saint Viator appreciates Gould’s contributions to the football program and respects his decision to prioritize his family, while wishing him all the best.
The timing matters because Gould will remain in place through the 2026 season rather than leaving immediately. That should give Saint Viator time to manage the transition in a measured way, rather than making a sudden coaching change in the middle of the school’s football plans.
Gould’s path to Saint Viator also reflects a familiar one for former NFL players moving into coaching. After coaching at Rolling Meadows High School in 2024, he took on the Saint Viator job and now has a set end point for that chapter. For the school, the announcement now makes the next two seasons part of a longer transition, not just a short-term stretch. For more on the timing, see Robbie Gould to step down after the 2026 season — Bears Kicker plan gives Saint Viator time to prepare.
