after just one season at harlequins, kennedy announced his retirement from playing in may 2014 in order to pursue a coaching career after he was appointed academy director at former club london irish. on 1 july 2016 he was announced as the new director of rugby in a new coaching setup following the departure of tom coventry. he left his role on 22 march, 2018 shortly after the appointment of declan kidney as technical consultant as les kiss as head coach.