Mike Woodward resigned Friday as head coach of the Woodland football program after three seasons, including one of the best in program history.
Woodward, 48, said he was worn down after more than three decades in football as a player and coach.
“I won’t say I’m officially done (with coaching) until they bury me,” Woodward said, “but it sure feels like I’ve coached my last one.”
A native of Battle Ground, Woodward got his first job as a head coach in 1999 when he was hired at age 29 to take over the Mountain View program.
The Thunder went 39-16 in five seasons under Woodward, including two trips to the 3A state semifinals.
In 2004, Woodward went to coach at Hudson’s Bay, leading the Eagles for three seasons in which they went 9-18.
In 2007, in part to be closer to his ailing father, Woodward took a job at Westview High School in Poway, Calif., just north of San Diego.
Woodward spent nine seasons with the Wolverines before returning to coach at Woodland in 2016.
Woodland went 18-11 in the three seasons under Woodward.
Woodward said he made the decision to resign after the 2018 season after a day of reflection back in May.
“I only told my wife, son and daughter, closest friend and one assistant coach,” he said. “After that, I gave the program absolutely everything I had for the next seven months. Fortunately for us, it ended up being one of the best seasons I’ve ever been a part of. After a long season-ending reflection, my decision did not change.”
Woodland went 8-2 on the season, finishing second to eventual state champion Hockinson in the 2A Greater St. Helens League.
The Beavers’ season ended with a 58-38 loss to Tumwater in a Week 10 district playoff.
The season featured a historic performance from quarterback Tyler Flanagan, who rushed for 1,971 yards and 32 touchdowns and passed for 2,012 yards and 19 more scores.
Woodward thanked the Woodland administration and community for their support and mentioned how the program is in great shape with the JV team going 6-2 this past season and “an excellent youth program run by an ultra-supportive parent.”
“I feel like I just finally need a break,” Woodward said. “And at this point, it feels permanent. I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I’m excited to try new things. Most importantly, I need that quality time with my children and grandchildren, petting goats and feeding chickens without my iPad in the other hand watching Hockinson film.”
