Jesuit High School

Emergency Messages as of 6:15 PM, Sat. Dec 13

No information currently posted.

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Jesuit High School.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Jesuit High School Announces Retirement Of Longtime Head Football Coach And Counselor Ken Potter - 11/18/25

Portland, OR -- November 18, 2025 – Jesuit High School announces the retirement of Ken Potter from his roles as head varsity football coach and counselor at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Ken is Oregon’s all-time winningest football coach, with an extraordinary 369-92 overall record at Jesuit that includes 25 league championships and four state titles. 

 

This fall, the Crusaders went undefeated in league play, won the Metro League championship, and made a valiant playoff run that ended in the quarterfinals against West Linn last Friday. 

 

Ken was named Jesuit’s varsity football coach in 1987 – his first head coaching job – and the Crusaders went undefeated in his inaugural season. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including Metro Coach of the Year, Oregon Coach of the Year, and National Coach of the Year (Western region).

 

More significant than wins and losses, Ken’s legacy can be measured by the generations of students he has helped shape into people of conscience, competence, and character. His life lessons extend beyond the football field and resonate long after students graduate. 

 

“Coach Potter is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in Oregon state history,” said  Dr. Owen Marecic ‘07, a fullback and linebacker who went on to play football at Stanford University and in the NFL. “Like so many others, I am proud and honored to say that he was my coach. He taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, work ethic, selflessness, and faith that continue to inspire me to this day. He leaves a legacy of excellence that is difficult to match and should be celebrated to the fullest.”

 

Creating a family among coaches and players is central to Ken’s coaching philosophy, a value rooted in his own upbringing. His brother, Gene Potter, serves as assistant football coach at Jesuit and head men’s varsity basketball coach. Their father, George Potter, coached high school football teams for 44 years. 

 

Senior linebacker and receiver Jack Tuenge ‘26 said, “He is the best coach I have played for, but more than that, he pushes me to be a better person off the field and shows that he cares for me every day.”

 

“The Jesuit family is profoundly grateful for Ken’s service, leadership, and commitment to our mission over the last 38 years,” said Jesuit High School President Thomas D. Arndorfer. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

 

Jesuit High School will be conducting a national search for the school’s next head football coach. For inquiries, contact footballcoach@jesuitportland.org or check our website (jesuitportland.org/about/employment) for job information in the coming weeks.

 

Jesuit High School Announces Retirement Of Longtime Head Football Coach And Counselor Ken Potter - 11/18/25

Portland, OR -- November 18, 2025 – Jesuit High School announces the retirement of Ken Potter from his roles as head varsity football coach and counselor at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Ken is Oregon’s all-time winningest football coach, with an extraordinary 369-92 overall record at Jesuit that includes 25 league championships and four state titles. 

 

This fall, the Crusaders went undefeated in league play, won the Metro League championship, and made a valiant playoff run that ended in the quarterfinals against West Linn last Friday. 

 

Ken was named Jesuit’s varsity football coach in 1987 – his first head coaching job – and the Crusaders went undefeated in his inaugural season. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including Metro Coach of the Year, Oregon Coach of the Year, and National Coach of the Year (Western region).

 

More significant than wins and losses, Ken’s legacy can be measured by the generations of students he has helped shape into people of conscience, competence, and character. His life lessons extend beyond the football field and resonate long after students graduate. 

 

“Coach Potter is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in Oregon state history,” said  Dr. Owen Marecic ‘07, a fullback and linebacker who went on to play football at Stanford University and in the NFL. “Like so many others, I am proud and honored to say that he was my coach. He taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, work ethic, selflessness, and faith that continue to inspire me to this day. He leaves a legacy of excellence that is difficult to match and should be celebrated to the fullest.”

 

Creating a family among coaches and players is central to Ken’s coaching philosophy, a value rooted in his own upbringing. His brother, Gene Potter, serves as assistant football coach at Jesuit and head men’s varsity basketball coach. Their father, George Potter, coached high school football teams for 44 years. 

 

Senior linebacker and receiver Jack Tuenge ‘26 said, “He is the best coach I have played for, but more than that, he pushes me to be a better person off the field and shows that he cares for me every day.”

 

“The Jesuit family is profoundly grateful for Ken’s service, leadership, and commitment to our mission over the last 38 years,” said Jesuit High School President Thomas D. Arndorfer. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

 

Jesuit High School will be conducting a national search for the school’s next head football coach. For inquiries, contact footballcoach@jesuitportland.org or check our website (jesuitportland.org/about/employment) for job information in the coming weeks.