Kennedy was fired in 2015 for leading post-game prayers in the center of the field, resulting in an eight-year legal battle with the Bremerton School District over his dismissal
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
Joe Kennedy’s return as an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School didn’t last long – just one game. On Tuesday, Kennedy announced his resignation from the coaching staff on his personal website.
Kennedy, 54, was fired in 2015 for leading post-game prayers in the center of the field, resulting in an eight-year legal battle with the Bremerton School District over his dismissal.
In 2022, Kennedy’s case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a 6-3 majority ruled in his favor.
Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote, “the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike,” in his opinion.
On Friday night, Kennedy coached his first game since 2015 in his return to Bremerton High School’s Memorial Stadium.
Kennedy hinted to the Associated Press before the game that his return tenure at Bremerton could be brief.
“So many people are asking, ‘What’s next?’ And I have no idea,” Kennedy said. “Do I stay for the season? Do I stay for a couple of games? Is this the only game? We don’t know.”
In a statement on his personal website, Kennedy explained his decision to resign.
“I believe I can best continue to advocate for constitutional freedom and religious liberty by working from outside the school system so that is what I will do. I will continue to work to help people understand and embrace the historic ruling at the heart of our case. As a result of our case, we all have more freedom, not less. That should be celebrated and not disrespected,” he said.
“As I have demonstrated, we must make a stand for what we believe in. In my case, I made a stand to take a knee. I encourage all Americans to make their own stand for freedom and our right to express our faith as we see fit. I appreciate the people of Bremerton, the coaches, staff and especially the students and wish them all well. Bremerton will always be home,” Kennedy concluded.
Kennedy also mentioned plans to take care of an ailing family member who lives out of state as a reason for his resignation.
He and his wife currently live in Florida.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Rep. John Ley’s new bill calls for an independent audit of Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
Rep. John Ley introduced legislation requiring an independent audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project to review costs, management, and oversight. - Letter: Public school vision
Clark County resident Larry Roe urges a deeper community discussion about public school priorities, levy funding, and the long-term affordability of education for local families. - County Charter Review Commission sets meeting schedule, selects officers
The Clark County Charter Review Commission set a weekly meeting schedule beginning Feb. 4 and selected officers as it begins its review of the county charter. - WA Secretary of State certifies parental rights initiative
The Washington Secretary of State certified a parental rights initiative after verifying enough valid signatures, sending the measure to the Legislature and likely placing it on the November 2026 ballot. - WA leaders prepare for possibility of immigration crackdown
Washington’s governor and attorney general outlined preparations for a potential immigration crackdown, including possible conflicts between federal agents and state or local authorities - Opinion: House Bill 1834 would create a regulatory nightmare and restricts parental control on social media
Mark Harmsworth argues that House Bill 1834 would undermine parental authority and create sweeping regulatory and legal risks under the guise of protecting minors online. - Clark College invites high school students & families to learn how Running Start can jump-start college success
Clark College will offer virtual information sessions and in-person support nights to help high school students and families understand the Running Start program and the steps to enroll.
wpDiscuz
