Summary
After his absence inYoung Sheldonseason 7, a brand-new set photo reveals a fresh look at Dan Byrd as Youth Pastor Rob. Introduced inYoung Sheldonseason 5, episode 2, “Snoopin' Around and the Wonder Twins of Atheism,” Pastor Rob’s arrival in Medford didn’t seem big at first. Eventually, however, it became clear that his presence was going to be a threat to the Coopers, as he developed a borderline inappropriate relationship with Mary. Despite this,Pastor Rob was never to be seen again beyond season 6and didn’t even return for George’s funeral in theYoung Sheldonfinale.
Coach Wilkins actorDoc Farrowshared a batch of unreleased images from the set ofYoung Sheldon, including one withByrd as Pastor Rob during a filming break. Check out the snaps below:

Based on his clothes and the people in the image, this snap was taken during the filming ofYoung Sheldonseason 6, episode 9, “College Dropouts and the Medford Miracle.” In the outing, Medford High School brought inPastor Rob to hype George’s football teamas they faced an important game following a slump.
Why Pastor Rob Wasn’t In Young Sheldon Season 7 Explained
Pastor Rob’s Young Sheldon Season 7 Absence Was For The Better.
Since there were so many plots to address, Chuck Lorre and his team couldn’t devote any time to narratives that didn’t play intoThe Big Bang Theorycanon or contribute to a satisfying ending for the Coopers in Texas.
Pastor Rob’s stint at Medford High School was a one-time thing. He never returned to hype George’s team after that, although he maintained his presence in the show. Thelast time Pastor Rob was inYoung Sheldonwas when Cece was born. Since Mary was no longer employed at the church, they didn’t have time to spend together. Still, he sought her out to talk about him potentially moving to Arkansas. Somehow, it was his way of checking where she stood in terms of their relationship. It’s unclear if he did move, but he never bothered the Coopers again.

Pastor Rob’s Absence In The Young Sheldon Finale Exposed His True Feelings For Mary
The Young Sheldon finale failed to feature several characters, including Pastor Rob, and his absence indirectly revealed his true intentions with Mary
Admittedly, it was an odd way to cap offtheYoung Sheldoncharacter’sarc.The Big Bang Theoryprequel, however, may not have had the chance to bring him back in season 7 even if the writers wanted to.Young Sheldonended on a significantly shorter yearcompared to what it used to get. Since there were so many plots to address, Chuck Lorre and his team couldn’t devote any time to narratives that didn’t play intoThe Big Bang Theorycanon or contribute to a satisfying ending for the Coopers in Texas. Pastor Rob didn’t fit into any of either development.
Ultimately, it was for the best that Pastor Rob didn’t return in the show’s final season.Young Sheldonseason 7 focused on the repair of George and Mary’s marriage before his pre-determined death. Granted thatGeorge’s unexpected demisewas heartbreaking, at least it happened when he was finally able to sort out his relationship with his family. Had Pastor Rob been involved,Young Sheldonwouldn’t have been able to properly execute this arc.
Young Sheldon
Cast
A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.