Paige Nobles not returning as Northwood High football coach, officials confirm

Paige Nobles leads the Timberwolves in August 2019. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High School’s head football coach Paige Nobles, who led the Timberwolves to an 8-3 record in his only season, will not return next season, officials at Northwood said Friday.

Co-athletic director Brandon Emery said he could not elaborate on the reason for the decision by school officials.

“We wish Coach Nobles the very best in his future endeavors,” Emery told OC Sports Zone in an email.

Nobles acknowledged in a text Friday morning that he was informed Thursday by the administration he would not be returning as coach. Nobles said he was not given a specific reason, only that the school was going in a different direction.

Nobles, who coached at Laguna Beach for eight years, led the Timberwolves to a second place finish and 4-1 record in the PCL last season. Northwood lost to Rio Hondo Prep 41-22 in the opening round of the CIF Division 12 playoffs. He was a walk-on coach at Northwood.

Emery also released a statement to parents, players and football supporters, which was shared with OC Sports Zone.

“I want to start by thanking Coach Nobles for his dedication and many hours of work for the NHS football program, NHS, and our student athletes. As he indicated in his email to you last night, we are going to make a transition at this time. These are always very difficult decisions to make as a school administration and not without much work, thought and discussion.

“This time has been difficult for our students and community and we all recognize the value of programs like football to keep our students engaged in a structured way. I can assure you that we will have a plan in place in the very near future to ensure a smooth transition for our players with hopes for a great upcoming season. Once we have a plan, we will set up a time for student athletes to meet with the team and parents to talk about the plan to move forward. We continue to recognize and value the partnership we have developed with the families of our football program.

“Times of change are always hard but I can assure you that the NHS athletics department and administration are dedicated to supporting our program to ensure it is the best it can be during the unique circumstances of 2020.”

Nobles had been preparing his squad for the start of the season in January 2021 and was excited about the Timberwolves’ chances.

OC Sports Zone has reached out to Nobles for further comment.

Nobles started his Northwood career leading the Timberwolves to a 54-0 victory over Saddleback Valley Christian on Aug. 23, 2019.

–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com