New football coach Matt Griffin announces assistant coaching staff
12/16/2005 6:00:00 AM | Football
Griffin welcomes defensive coordinator Rich Nagy (Trinity (Conn.) College, 1987): Joins the Racers after seven seasons at Maine. Nagy and Griffin worked together in the UM program from 2000 to 2002. Last season, the Black Bears were ranked third in the Atlantic-10 Conference in total defense, allowing 325 yards per game.
"He's one of the great teachers in the game," Griffin said. "I've worked with Rich at Maine, where his defenses were ranked nationally, and that speaks volumes to the type of coach he is."
Mickey Fein (Maine, 1999): Joins the Racers from Tennessee-Martin, and will be the Racers' offensive coordinator.
"Mickey is a bright young coach," Griffin said. "He's experienced beyond his years and will make our quarterbacks the best in the league."
Mark Lister (Tarleton State, 1999): Also joins the Racers from UTM and will coach the MSU outside linebackers.
"Mark is a very intense young coach with incredible enthusiasm for his players and the people he works with," Griffin said. "In 2005, he had a big part in our success defensively at UTM."
Kevin Cahill (Springfield College, 2004): Joins the Murray State program from UTM and will coach the Racer receivers.
Griffin said, "Kevin has great character and is a great teacher. He will make our players better in the classroom and on the field. We're very fortunate to have him here."
Johnny Jernigan (Stephen F. Austin, 1994): Will coach the MSU defensive line after coaching the same group at UTM.
"Johnny is one of the finest men I've ever worked with," Griffin said. "He cares about the people he works with and the players he coaches. He'll bring great intensity to our defensive line."
Mike Hayes (Missouri, 2001): Will coach the Murray offensive line and also comes from Tennessee-Martin.
"Actually, Mike has the toughest job on our staff, because I'm a former offensive line coach," Griffin said. "I never worry about our offensive line, though, because Mike is on it. He has a great passion for football."
Matt Wise (Cornell, 2004): Also joins the Racers from UTM and will be an offensive assistant and video coordinator.
"Matt is bright, and a very loyal person to his fellow coaches and players," Griffin said. "He'll work extremely hard to make his players excel."
In his first week on the job at Murray State, Matt Griffin and staff have hit the ground running and are quickly up to speed on the recruiting needs of the program.
Griffin also said he's confirming many things he discovered in the time leading to his hiring as the Racers 16th coach.
"The support here is wonderful; the administration and staff at Murray State have been extremely helpful," Griffin said. "The MSU athletics staff has been professional and thorough.
"I now know why Murray State is such a special place; it's because the people here have made it that way."
