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Saint Patrick High School is proud to announce the appointment of Tom Zbikowski as the new Head Football Coach of the Shamrocks. A native of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and a former NFL safety, Zbikowski brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the Chicago area.
Zbikowski attended Buffalo Grove High School, where he excelled as a quarterback and defensive back, setting school records in scoring and rushing. He continued his athletic career at the University of Notre Dame, earning All-American honors as a safety and serving as team captain in 2006. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Zbikowski also played for the Indianapolis Colts and had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears. Following his NFL career, he transitioned into coaching, most recently serving as the safeties coach at Brown University.
“I had the privilege of having Tommy as a teammate at Notre Dame for four years, and there is no one who played with more passion and intensity than Zbikowski,” said Dan Santucci, President of Saint Patrick High School and a former Notre Dame teammate of Zbikowski. “His dedication to excellence, both on and off the field, makes him an ideal leader for our football program. His return to Chicago and commitment to instilling a tough, disciplined mentality align perfectly with the values we uphold at St. Pat’s.”
“Returning to Chicago to coach at Saint Patrick High School is a full-circle moment for me. I’m excited to bring a tough, disciplined mentality to the team and to build a program that the entire community can be proud of,” Zbikowski shared about returning to his roots and leading the Shamrocks. “I recognize that I’ve accomplished many things in life, but having the ability to impact a kid’s life is the most important of them all.”
Athletic Director, Matt Reardon also commented on the appointment:
“Tommy’s experience at the highest levels of football, combined with his passion for mentoring young athletes, makes him a tremendous asset to the Saint Patrick High School athletic department. We’re excited to see the positive impact he’ll have on our student athletes.”
Zbikowski’s tenure as Head Football Coach will begin on February 1, 2025. He has plans to meet players and staff at the school on Friday, January 24. Zbikowski will address the community at large at halftime of the Varsity Basketball v. Marian Catholic game that evening. The Saint Patrick community eagerly anticipates the future success and development of the football program under Zbikowski’s leadership.
