Manchester football coach shifts to development role

Manchester University today announces that Shannon Griffith, longtime head football coach, is moving up into a new role.

As of Jan. 4, he will be the new director of development, charged with fundraising for University initiatives.

“Shannon will be a great asset for the advancement team as we move forward,” said Melanie Harmon, vice president for advancement.  “He will be very instrumental with upcoming fundraising efforts, including new athletic facilities on the horizon.”

The 2012 Heartland Collegiate Coach of the Year, Griffith led the Spartans for 12 years. 

“This opportunity will allow me to have more time with my wife, Kim, and to watch my son Isaac play his final two years at Indiana,” Griffith said. “In the end, it was the right time for a new face and new energy in the football program coming off a successful 2015 season.”

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge and to be a part of some exciting new opportunities with fundraising for new athletic facilities included.  MU is a special place and I am excited that I can still be a part of MU for many years to come.”

Griffith closes his Spartans’ coaching tenure with a 40-79 career record which included .500 or better marks in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2015 and HCAC runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2012. His 2012 team had a six-gaming winning streak, MU’s longest since the final three games of the 1968 season and the beginning of 1969. Twenty-six of the program’s current offensive records were established with him at the helm.

“Shannon’s positives at the helm of the football program reach farther than wins and losses,” said Rick Espeset, Manchester University Director of Athletics. “He’s been a great mentor for so many student athletes and former assistant coaches who have moved on.

“We’re very excited to see him take his energy into this vital role for the Manchester community. It will also be nice to have him close by as we move forward.”

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Media contact: Mark Adkins
Manchester University Sports Information Director
mtadkins@manchester.edu
260-982-5035 – office
319-290-6601 – cell

Dec. 7, 2015