Aaron Craver to join Rick Gibson as co-head coach for Woodbridge football team

Aaron Craver (left) and Rick Gibson will be co-head coaches starting this year. (Photo Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Aaron Craver has been named co-head football coach at Woodbridge teaming up with long-time coach Rick Gibson, it was announced Friday.

Craver has been a defensive assistant coach at Woodbridge and the head track and field coach. He has also been a head coach at Centennial High in Compton and Artesia High.

Gibson is entering his 32nd year as head football coach at Woodbridge.

“I’m closer to the end of the career than I am the starting of the career,” Gibson said before Friday’s game with Newport Harbor. “So I know we want some stability with the program. Let’s say I decide to do it at the end of this year, then there’s a big process to happen. With this, the transition would be smooth, whether it’s the end of this year or the end of next year.”

Gibson, who is also Woodbridge’s athletic director, said he hasn’t decided when he will step down but indicated Craver will succeed him when he does.

“I’m excited, I’m honored,” Craver said. “Coach (Gene) Noji and Rick have been the only two coaches to ever coach at Woodbridge so to be able to follow them and be a part of that is an honor for me. The Irvine-Woodbridge area is a great community and I love the school and the track program and love hanging out with the guys already.”

“I’m just honored I will be the able to succeed him.”

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