Bailey returning to sidelines

Longtime Portland High School football coach Mike Bailey will be returning to the gridiron this fall as the defensive coordinator for the South Portland Red Riots. Bailey, who has 34 years of coaching experience, including 25 as a head coach, and is the winningest all-time coach in Bulldogs history, will also do some work with running backs and wide receivers on offense according to Red Riots head coach Steve Stinson, who played for Bailey once upon a time at Portland High.
“Mike brings a ton to the program,” Stinson said. “He’s super with kids. He has a ton of knowledge. Last year, you could tell he was getting the (coaching) bug back. He’s a perfect fit on such a collaborative staff.”
As for Bailey, he was ready to return to the sidelines.
“I think it’ll be fun,” Bailey said. “The timing is right. I needed a break after 35 years, but I stepped back and recharged my battery. Steve and I have always been close and always shared ideas. I think it’s  a good blend. I just have to call the defenses. I don’t have to worry about grades or transportation. I just want to help him continue to grow the South Portland program. Change is good. It’ll be exciting.”


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