Zach Johnson takes over for Tim O’Brien as interim basketball coach at Northwood

Zach Johnson (far right) has been named interim boys basketball coach at Northwood. Johnson replaces the late Tim O’Brien, shown coaching in a game last December. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High School officials announced Monday that Zach Johnson has been named the interim head boys basketball coach.

Johnson replaces long-time coach Tim O’Brien, who died Oct. 8, 2020 after a battle with cancer.

Johnson was an assistant coach under O’Brien last season and guided the Timberwolves when O’Brien was unable to.

Co-athletic director Brandon Emery confirmed the announcement with OC Sports Zone Monday.

“The past month has been an extremely difficult time with the passing of our longtime coach and friend, Tim O’Brien,” officials said in an Email to Northwood parents and players Monday. “In an effort to bring stability to the program we are fortunate to have Zach Johnson step in to the role of interim head coach this season.

“Coach Johnson brings familiarity, consistency, and many years of coaching experience. We are excited to have Coach Johnson step into this role and to see where he will take the program.

“We sincerely appreciate your patience and trust during this process. We look forward to partnering with Coach Johnson as he works to develop personal character and commitment to teamwork and community. Please join us in welcoming Coach Johnson.”

Johnson, 29, has had previous experience at Orange and Foothill.

Johnson will have time to prepare his team. Under the revised CIF plan, boys basketball is scheduled to start on Friday, March 12, 2021. The plan was put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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