Murray State University Athletics
Murray State University's Griffin Among 80 "Hot" Coaches For 2006
8/14/2006 5:00:00 AM | Football
American Football Monthly has selected Murray State University Head Football Coach Matt Griffin to its list of the 80 ?hot' coaches for 2006. The magazine published its annual list of the top coaching prospects at eight levels, NCAA Division-IA, Division-IAA, Division-II, Division-III, NAIA, Junior College, High School and NFL, in its August issue.
Griffin enters his first season at the helm of the Racer program. Before being introduced on Dec. 12 as the new MSU coach,
“I have a great deal of respect for American Football Monthly and to be recognized by this magazine is quite an honor,” said
American Football Monthly had this to say about
“It's an honor for Matt to be recognized by American Football Monthly,” MSU Director of Athletics Allen Ward said. “It doesn't surprise me that his name would be on the list, Matt and his staff did a great job at UT-Martin. Matt's energy and passion will lead
The magazine listed just 10 NCAA Division I-AA coaches among its list. Others making the list of 80 include
“To be mentioned with these other great coaches is really something,”
At UTM,
The list of D-IAA coaches included Griffin, Harbaugh, Chip Kelly (offensive coordinator, New Hampshire), Frank Tavani (head coach, Lafayette), Willie Totten (head coach, Mississippi Valley State), Rich Ellerson (head coach, California Polytechnic State), Jay Thomas (head coach, Nicholls State), Jay Mills (head coach, Charleston Southern), David Bailiff (head coach, Texas State) and Dave Clawson (head coach, Richmond).
American Football Monthly said this about the entire group of coaches: “Innovation and renovation ? the theme for this fall. AFM's annual ?Hot' coaching list includes many coaches starting their first year and many others retooling offenses and defenses. The year's listing of 80 of the best and the brightest at all levels ? from the NFL to the high school ranks ? marks those coaches ready to lead their teams to outstanding seasons. All are primed for a breakout season.”
The Skyhawks' achievements in 2005 led to
The six wins in 2005 tied the 1993 Tennessee-Martin squad for the most in the program's history as an NCAA Division I-AA institution. The four OVC victories in 2005 tied for the second most in school history. Only the 1993 team (5-3) had more league wins.
In his three seasons at Martin, Griffin led the Skyhawks to six OVC wins, which is more than the five victories UTM had in the previous eight years combined.
American Football Monthly Magazine is dedicated to being the industry's No. 1 source of information for the football coach. AFM has more articles on football coaching, football plays and football strategies than any other source available.
Click below to view the orginal article from American Football Monthly.
