By Seattle Medium Staff
In a very surprising announcement, Garfield High School Head Football Coach Reggie Witherspoon, Jr. has resigned from his position.
In a letter obtained by the Seattle Medium, dated December 15, 2023, addressed to Garfield Principal Tarance Hart and Athletic Director Tiffany Bigham, Witherspoon wrote, “This communication serves to inform you of my resignation as head coach of the Garfield High School football program, effective immediately. It was my highest joy and honor to have been hired to serve such a storied, legendary, and dignified school and football program, and for that, I say thank you. These past seven years have been one of the highlights of my adult life and coaching career.”
The news comes as a surprise to many, as Garfield had one of its most successful seasons in recent history, with Witherspoon leading them to a 7-4 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the state 3A football playoffs. It must be noted that Garfield was 5-2 in the Metro League this season, losing only to O’Dea and Eastside Catholic, both of whom made it to the semifinal round of the state playoffs.
Excluding the COVID season when Garfield went 1-5, Witherspoon guided the Bulldogs to a 24-16-1 record and four appearances in the state playoffs.
Sources close to the situation, speaking on anonymity with The Seattle Medium, allege that the resignation was precipitated by school officials – typically, in cases like this, the principal and the athletic director – asking Witherspoon and his staff to re-apply for their positions and have yet, according to sources, to provide Witherspoon a formal explanation of their decision. This is the first time that Witherspoon and his staff had been asked to re-apply for his position after the completion of a season, which is something that is unusual if the school is planning to retain their coaching staff.
The Seattle Medium tried reaching school officials but has yet to hear back from them.
While the outlook for Garfield football remained promising following the results of last season, it is unclear how many of the talented underclassmen at the school, including many linemen and the starting running back, will remain with the program.
In a statement to The Seattle Medium, Witherspoon said the goal for the program under his leadership was to “get better every year,” which is something he and his coaching staff were very proud of doing.
In his resignation letter, Witherspoon said, “It was always my purpose and goal to not just coach all the distinguished young men I have been blessed to have encountered with just x’s and o’s, but it was my aim and great honor to help develop them into honorable young men who would have a better understanding of who they are as human beings. Young men who will someday make a positive contribution to society, and for that, I stand tall!
“I have no regrets on how I managed this program; I am very proud of my body of work,” the letter continued. “I am absolutely leaving this football program better than when I first assumed this leadership role. I leave with my head held high and a deep love for every young man I was able to coach and mentor.”
This is a developing story that The Seattle Medium will update as necessary.