Griffith Explores New Position

Zach Newcomer

This past winter, Head Coach Shannon Griffith stepped down from the helm of Manchester football, after finishing 5-4, to take over a different position on campus. Griffith moved from the field to the Administration Building, where he is now the director of development for the University, with a primary concern of raising funds for Manchester. “The transition is going great!” Griffith said. “I'm getting acclimated and establishing a new routine and the best part is that this position allowed me to stay here at Manchester.” 

“The decision to move was mine,” Griffith continued. “I have invested 12 years here and wanted to stay. I value what President McFadden is doing with the institution, which is moving Manchester forward on many fronts.” Griffith will now be able to connect on a more personal level with alumni and donors and can work with them to help fund upcoming projects.  He will work alongside Melanie Harmon, vice president for Advancement.

 The new position shares similarities with coaching, which caught Griffith’s eye when he was deciding to pursue a new career. “Finding an avenue to connect with people,” he explained, “is no different than trying to connect with an 18-year-old kid when recruiting for football.” This former play caller will be able to focus on all raising funds for all Spartan athletics and not just football, which was a big part in his decision to move to the Development office.

Projects that Griffith is working on include the Chinworth Center, a new stadium, an indoor sports complex and several updates to current buildings on campus. “The new sport facilities are still in the idea stage, while the Chinworth Center is more broad based,” Griffith said.

Outside of work, Griffith will watch his son Isaac play his final two years at Indiana University for the football team. “I missed the past couple seasons due to coaching on Saturdays,” Griffith said. His son suffered a season-ending ACL injury this past season, but looks to be in the mix for a wide-receiver spot this upcoming fall for the Hoosiers. Griffith will also spend time with his wife Kim, aside from traveling with her to their son’s football games.

Accumulating a 40-79 career record, Griffith led the Spartans for 12 seasons, while earning the 2012 Heartland Collegiate Coach of the Year award. The Black and Gold finished .500 or better in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2015, while capturing HCAC runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2012. Further, 26 of the current offensive records were established under his guidance.