Brad Stewart is one of Kirk Kennedy's best friends. The two coached together for 19 years in the Lowell football program, with Kennedy running the show and Stewart running the defense.
So when Kennedy resigned from his job at Bloomington South at the end of last week, Stewart wasn't shocked, but a hair surprised.
"I took it with a little mixture," Stewart said. "I knew Kirk was putting his roots down down there. He just bought a house and he just got married.
"But I also knew he was having trouble getting people down there to understand how to play hard-nosed, old-fashioned football. They wanted to play basketball on grass. It wasn't a great fit."
Kennedy went 4-26 in three years at Bloomington South. His record at Lowell was almost ridiculous. Kennedy was 161-70 in his 19 years at Lowell.
He won 10 sectionals in leading the Red Devils and took Lowell to three Class 4A state championship games, in 2005, 2007 and 2009.
Lowell upset Indianapolis Roncalli to earn the state title in 2005.
So now, obviously, the hot-stove chatter begins and Stewart believes there might be something to it this time.
Stewart, now the head coach at Kankakee Valley, said he hasn't spoken to Kennedy personally, but they have communicated via email.
"I told him there are a lot of people who would love to have him up here again," Stewart said. "I think he's keeping his options open. But people up here in the region are more willing to accept old-school, old-fashioned football."
Attempts to reach Kennedy on Monday were unsuccessful.
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