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

The East Clarendon native declined the offer.

The timing was not right as he was entering just his 3rd season as Irmo head football coach and athletics director.

When the Monarchs once again called, Kennedy decided it was time.

He confirmed his decision to leave Irmo after 5 seasons.

“I wanted to go back home and coach one day, and it’s year 28 for me,” he said.

After meeting with school officials, Kennedy agreed to take the job.

Along with returning to familiar surroundings, Kennedy believed this was an opportunity to “downsize” his responsibilities by just teaching and coaching football.

Kennedy went 20-35 in 5 seasons at Irmo, where he replaced longtime head coach Bob Hanna.

Last season, he was named Class 5A Athletic Director of the Year by the SC Athletic Administrators Association and coached in the inaugural Metro Bowl All-Star Game.