Kennedy Hires Carlos Smith as New Football Coach

Kennedy High School has named Carlos Smith as its new head football coach, replacing Randolph Warren, who was relieved of his duties in December after three seasons at the helm.

Smith, who becomes the school’s fifth head coach since 2000, must inject life into a football program that has struggled of late. The Cavaliers finished last season with an 0-10 record.

Former coach Joe Johnson was 6-34 in four seasons at the helm and his successor Tim McNeill was 9-39 in five seasons. Gunnard Twyner was the most successful head coach in school history, guiding the football program to an 18-5 record during a two-year stint from 2006-2007.

During Twyner’s tenure, the Cavaliers snapped a 25-game losing streak and made the playoffs both years. However, the program struggled to regain its winning ways during Randolph’s tenure, compiling a 4-26 record including back-to-back 2-8 seasons in 2008 and 2009 before last year’s winless campaign.

Smith will strive to rebuild the program at Kennedy, where he already has a coaching history, having once served as the girls basketball coach.

“He’s very competent,” said Kennedy Athletic Director Ken Cudd. “He knows the kids and has a great relationship with [them].”

Cudd believes Smith could be the person who helps turn the program around.

“He’s about business. He’s very goal-oriented and very disciplined,” Cudd said.