Noel Steps Down as Moorpark Coach

One month after stating he intended to return next year as coach despite a season tainted by a drug investigation, Moorpark High football Coach Bob Noel resigned, a school official confirmed Tuesday.

“He turned in his resignation shortly before Christmas,” said Mike Slater, superintendent of the Moorpark School District.

Noel, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, told The Times in November that he expected to return for the 1988 season. In four years as coach, Noel compiled a record of 13-27-1, including a 3-7 mark this season. He led Moorpark to its first Southern Section playoff berths in his first two seasons.

The reputation of the Moorpark program was dealt a blow in October after a volunteer assistant coach admitted to distributing salt and niacin tablets to several players before games and telling them the pills would enhance their performance. Noel was not linked to the investigation and no charges were filed against the assistant by police, who initially believed the substances to be illegal.