In 2017, Manning High School came calling for Reggie Kennedy.

The East Clarendon High School graduate declined the offer, based on the timing as he was entering just his 3rd season as Irmo head football coach and athletics director.

With the Monarchs once again seeking leadership, Kennedy decided to take the opportunity. He confirmed his decision to depart the Yellow Jackets after 5 seasons to replace Keith West at Manning.

“I got approached by them 2 years ago and I felt like the timing just wasn’t right,” he said. “But eventually, I wanted to go back home and coach 1 day and it’s Year 28 for me. So, it’s close to end of the road there. So I felt like this opportunity wasn’t coming around no time soon again.”

After meeting with school officials to gain assurances, Kennedy agreed to take the job and was approved by the Clarendon County School District Two Board.

Along with returning to familiar surroundings, Kennedy believed this was an opportunity to “downsize” his responsibilities by just teaching and coaching football. He also takes satisfication in leaving the Irmo program in more solid footing than when he arrived 5 years ago. 

Kennedy went 20-35 in 5 seasons at Irmo, where he replaced longtime head coach Bob Hanna. A graduate of East Clarendon High School, he previously coached at Sumter, Blythewood, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Kingstree and Fairfield Central on 2 ocassions.

This past season, Kennedy was named Class 5A Athletic Director of the Year by South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association and coached in the inaugural Metro Bowl All-Star Game.