Cochrane Cobras longtime football coach Robbie McNab formally announced his retirement from coaching by X (formerly Twitter) on April 3.
"It's with mixed emotions that after 36 years, I announce my retirement from coaching football," he said in a statement released on X. "What a journey it has been. Huge thanks to family, players, coaches, and the community for all their support. Excited to see the legacy continue."
McNab is credited with building the Cobras football program to be one of the strongest high school programs in southern Alberta, producing many players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
Several of those former players took to X alongside community members to thank McNab for his tutelage.
Bennett Fauth stated: "It's been an honour to play for your program, enjoy a well-deserved retirement."
Anne Kromm said: "You created something amazing at Cochrane High. Well done, coach! A legacy in so many ways."
Even rival coaches took to X to express their appreciation for McNab.
Chris Glass, a coach with the George McDougall High Mustangs in Airdrie, noted McNab was a great competitor.
"I am really going to miss the epic games we have had against each other," he stated. "Thank you for everything you have meant to football."
During McNab's tenure, the Cobras won 16 provincial titles. McNab was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and the Football Alberta Hall of Fame in 2022, alongside former Cobras’ coach and colleague Bruce O’Neil.
At the time of his induction, McNab told the Cochrane Eagle he felt the recognition for his success needed to be shared among many.
“We work very hard here at Cochrane High School — all of us do,” McNab said. “I happen to be the figurehead, so I guess I get the accolades. Either way, it’s outstanding for our program.”
He credited his former players for "buying in" to what he and program has been teaching all these years.
“I think it shows the kids that when you buy in, good things happen,” he said. “Every time something comes up, whether it’s a kid receiving a scholarship or a coach getting an award, it just validates what we’re trying to get these kids to accomplish.”
