PORTLAND — Mike Bailey, the Portland High football coach who resigned on Friday, said today that a series of events led to his decision to step down after 26 years as head coach of the Bulldogs.

Bailey said he disagreed with the direction the Portland School Department was headed in relation to athletics – specifically, a school administration’s plan he opposed to have one large booster group to fund all athletic teams.

The Portland football boosters have been a loyal and successful supporter of Bailey’s teams. Bailey said he was vocal about the issue.

“I was against it, but I would have gone along with it,” said Bailey.

Asked if his actions in the Thanksgiving Day Game were a factor in his resignation, Bailey said it was a contributing factor. Feeling that Deering was trying to run up the score, Bailey used the unusual tactic of kicking back to Deering after the Rams scored with 46 seconds left. Bailey said he doesn’t regret doing it.

“I would do it again,” he said.

“It’s all part of it,” added Bailey about his resignation. “The booster issue, the Thanksgiving Day game, the battle for fields and the challenge of coaching in Portland.”

Bailey said he will look back on his Portland career fondly.

“I’ve had a good run,” he said. “I gave everything I had.” 
 


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