December 13, 2005

Murray State tabs OVC rival head coach for its helm

If you can't beat him, hire him. That's exactly what Murray State (KY) University did when it tabbed UT-Martin head coach Matt Griffin to become its 16th head coach. Griffin, a native of New England, replaces Joe Pannunzio, whose contract was not renewed last month.

Griffin and the UT-Martin Skyhawks beat the Racers for the first time in 13 years this season en route to a 6-5 record, the school's first winning season in 12 years. The Skyhawks' success under him is notable, because the team hadn't won an OVC contest in in the six years prior to Griffin's arrival, and the school usually grants significantly fewer football scholarships than its league rivals.

Murray State boasts a history of hiring of some solid up-and-coming coaches who make their mark at the top levels of the game. Griffin follows in the footsteps of some notable names, such as former Pitt head coach (and current ESPN broadcaster) Mike Gottfried, Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, and Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt, who each served as MSU head coaches prior to reaching the Division 1-A level.

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