JJ Navarrete has been named the new head football coach at Woodburn High School, according to an announcement on Apr. 17. Navarrete, a Woodburn graduate from the class of 2002 and longtime resident, steps into the role after leading Gervais High School to notable playoff runs in recent years.
Navarrete’s move is significant for both schools. At Gervais, he transformed a struggling program into a contender, reaching state semifinals in 2024 and 2025. His decision to return home was influenced by his deep ties to the Woodburn community and encouragement from local residents.
“I wasn’t going to apply at all,” Navarrete said about his initial reluctance. “Everything at Gervais was all set up for this year. But being that I’m still around the community in Woodburn, everybody I ran into, they would say, ‘Hey, are you going to apply?’” He ultimately decided it was time for a new challenge closer to family: “My course had run at Gervais, for the most part… But I thought, ‘Why not give myself an opportunity to do it at my alma mater?’”
Navarrete takes over from Rob Kassebaum who led Woodburn for four seasons with a record of 12-25. Reflecting on support from his predecessor and others in the community he said: “He said, ‘This is yours. These kids talk about you over here.’”
During his six-year tenure at Gervais—assisted by his brother Eric as defensive coordinator—Navarrete guided teams through steady improvement culminating in quarterfinals and semifinals appearances across different classifications. “It was hard work,” he said of their progress together with players who “just gave us everything they’ve got.” The transition back included an emotional farewell meeting with his former team: “I told them that I’ve got to do what’s in the best interest of my family… But they said, ‘We’re not mad, Coach.’”
Looking ahead at Woodburn’s program—which recently moved down one classification due to Oregon School Activities Association criteria—Navarrete plans strategic changes including adapting offensive schemes based on available talent: “We really want to graduate to the run-and-shoot.” He anticipates increased participation this season and aims for long-term growth: “When we start showing these guys what we’re about, this thing only has room to grow and flourish.”
