Northwood High’s interim football coach Mike Stewart steps down after one season

Northwood football coach Mike Stewart has resigned, officials have confirmed. (Photo courtesy Northwood athletics)

Northwood High School is looking for a new football coach after Mike Stewart announced Tuesday he was stepping down, co-athletic director Brandon Emery said Wednesday.

“Mike has decided to step down from his role as the head coach,” Emery said. “We are sad to see him go but have already started the process to looking for a person who can fill the big shoes he is leaving behind.”

Stewart coached two games in the abbreviated spring season before the TImberwolves had to cancel the remaining three games due to injuries. Northwood lost to Irvine 32-3 and defeated University 49-2.

Stewart will continue with his other responsibilites at Northwood, Emery said. He has also been a counselor at the school.

“Mike will still be on campus with us next year,” Emery added. “We are sad to see him go as he brought a lot to the program.”

Stewart, who had been Northwood’s offensive coordinator, was named interim coach in October. He replaced Paige Nobles, who was informed he would not be retained after leading the team to an 8-3 record in his only season. Nobles later joined the Dana Hills football staff as an assistant coach.

After being named the interim coach, Stewart said:

“I think it gives both parties flexibility. There is no ego involved on my part. Because of the timing and they wanted a true transition for the kids and the families, it just seems to make sense. It seemed to be the smart thing to do. What has happened so far, I’m extremely pleased and the support from the Northwood administration has been amazing.”

OC Sports Zone has reached out to Stewart for comment.

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