When Michael Schofield was winning a Super Bowl in 2016 with the Denver Broncos, a young Zach Barrett was yelling and screaming at the TV in Orland Park.

Barrett became a big fan of Schofield, who also grew up in Orland Park, played in high school at Sandburg, in college with Michigan and then on several NFL teams.

“He has been an idol to me my whole life,” Barrett said.

Now, as a senior offensive lineman at Sandburg, Barrett has a new coach — Schofield.

After a nine-year NFL career, including last season with the Bears, Schofield is a volunteer assistant for the Eagles who works with offensive coordinator Tyler Clark.

“It’s fun,” Schofield said of coaching. “It keeps me in the game, and I love to help out the kids and try to make them better.”

He’s impressed with what he has seen so far out of Sandburg’s linemen.

“I was worried coming into coaching that I would be teaching Science 400 and they are on a 101 level,” Schofield said. “But coming back to high school, they are a lot smarter than I remember I was when I was in high school.

“So, it’s a lot easier for me. We have a really good O-line at Sandburg, and it’s great to work with these kids.”

Barrett appreciates the experience Schofield offers.

“He brings an exceptional skill base,” Barrett said. “He knows everything — things I never even thought about. Different hand placements. Technical things.

“It’s crazy what he knows.”

Sandburg (3-1) is off to a strong start heading into Friday night’s SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game at Lincoln-Way West (3-1).

The Eagles are coming off a 30-28 victory over Lockport, and Sandburg coach Troy McAllister gave credit to Schofield for helping get the linemen ready.

“Schofield is a huge addition to our coaching staff,” McAllister said. “His experience as a player in the NFL, combined with his ability to connect with young men, makes him a great coach.

“He has done an excellent job working with coach Clark to help our offensive line play at a high level. The offensive line was a big reason why we were able to defeat Lockport.”

Schofield may have played in a Super Bowl and in front of 100,000 fans in games at Michigan, but he said he really enjoys the high school atmosphere.

“There is nothing like Friday nights,” he said. “You know these kids. You grew up with these kids. You play with them in the Pioneers. You play baseball with them.

“There is nothing like walking out there and seeing your peers in the stands and rooting for your hometown. There is nothing better than that.”

Schofield was one of the first people to congratulate Sandburg graduate Dan Feeney earlier this month when the offensive lineman was traded by the Miami Dolphins to the Bears.

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“How cool is having back-to-back years having a Sandburg kid on the Bears?” Schofield said. “It just doesn’t happen. It’s so cool for these kids from Orland to see this.”

It’s been a big year for Schofield, too.

He and his wife, Kendall Coyne Schofield, welcomed their son, Drew, this summer. The Village of Orland Park broke ground at Schussler Park for a sports complex that will be in Michael Schofield’s name.

The only downside is he didn’t get a call this season from an NFL team. He said he has not retired and is holding out hope he can play one more year.

“The calls have died down, but with injuries, you never know what’s going to happen,” Schofield said. “There is a chance I could be picked up tomorrow. There is a chance I could get picked up in three weeks.

“In the meantime, I’m coaching here and I love it.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.