Northwood football coach Pete Mitchell steps down after two seasons; search for replacement begins immediately

Northwood football coach Pete Mitchell has resigned after two seasons.

Northwood head football coach Pete Mitchell has resigned after two seasons, athletic director Phil Roh said Wednesday afternoon.

“It is never easy to deliver such news, but Coach Pete Mitchell will be stepping down as the head coach of the NHS football program,” Roh said in a statement to OC Sports Zone.

“In his two seasons as head coach, Coach Mitchell has served this school and its student athletes well. He brought an energy and enthusiasm that invigorated the program. And while we are sad to see him go, we are looking forward to continuing to strengthen the identity and tradition of Northwood Timberwolves football.

“The search for our next head coach will begin immediately.”

Mitchell led the Timberwolves to an 8-4 overall record and 3-2 in league play. The Timberwolves defeated Rancho Alamitos 17-10 in the opening round of the CIF Division 12 playoffs before losing to Laguna Beach 34-13 in the second round.

Northwood was 2-8 in Mitchell’s first year in 2017.

It is not known whether Northwood will stay within the school and district for a replacement or look outside the district.

Two candidates could include former Northwood football standout Dan Selway, who was the co-offensive coordinator for this year’s team and former University assistant football and head baseball coach Chris Conlin. Conlin is currently the varsity wrestling coach at Northwood. He said Wednesday night he does not plan to apply for the football job.

“We have yet to hold any conversations with any candidate,” Roh said.

Mitchell could not be reached for comment.

Mitchell is the second football coach in Irvine to step down in two days. On Tuesday, University’s Scott Meyer announced he has taken the job at Lakewood.

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