Russellville Independent Schools announced Thursday morning the hiring of William Griffin as the new head football coach for Russellville High School.
A native of Franklin and a graduate of Franklin-Simpson High School, Griffin was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track and served as a senior football team captain. He continued his athletic and academic career at Campbellsville University, where he played four years of collegiate football on scholarship, starting on defense for three seasons while also competing in basketball and track. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and later completed a Master’s degree in Special Education, preparing him for a career dedicated to student growth and success. He also earned an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Principal/Instructional Supervisor/DPP Licensure as well as Superintendent Certification from Asbury University.
Throughout his career, he has coached football, basketball, and softball at multiple levels, building a reputation for developing student-athletes, fostering strong team culture, and emphasizing academic achievement alongside athletic performance.
Russellville Independent Schools said in a release of the news that it is excited to welcome Griffin and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and commitment he will bring to the football program and the district community.
“I’m thrilled to announce that we have hired William Griffin as our new head football coach at Russellville High School," said Russellville High School Principal Drew Teel. "Coach Griffin brings a track record of success, high energy, strong leadership, and a true passion for developing young men both on and off the field. After a thorough search by the Russellville Football hiring committee, his vision aligned perfectly with the values and traditions at Russellville Schools. With the support of the community, Russellville staff, and our talented student-athletes, I have no doubt that the future is bright for Russellville Football. Go Panthers.”
Coach Griffin will be at RHS Thursday to meet the staff and students. He will also be introduced to the community during halftime of tonight’s girls' basketball game.
Coach Griffin comes to Russellville with many years of coaching success. He has worked and coached at Campbellsville Independent since 2015. During his time as Offensive Coordinator or Assistant Coach, Campbellsville High School won four Region 1, District 2 Championships and was a five-time Region 1 Champion/Semi-State Finalist.
“I am elated about this wonderful opportunity," said Griffin, “and very grateful to Mr. Estes, Mr. Teel, Mr. Davenport, the football hiring committee, and Panther Nation for taking a chance on me and for trusting and believing in me!”
Griffin is the proud son of Ruth Griffin and Larry Young. He is married to his lovely wife Myra and they are the proud parents of 5 wonderful children. Kierra, 27; Lathan, 24; Willow, 15; Zendaya "Daya," 13; and KaNiya “Niya” 5.
“I'm extremely excited to welcome Coach Griffin as the new head football coach at Russellville High School," said Russellville Athletic Director Ryan Davenport. "He brings tremendous enthusiasm, outstanding leadership qualities, and a clear vision for building a championship culture. Coach Griffin is committed to developing well-rounded young men on and off the field. He prioritizes growth in both athletics and character and I believe he's going to do a tremendous job guiding our Panther football program into the future.”
Griffin, a native of Franklin, joins the Panthers after a decade of coaching success at Campbellsville Independent Schools. Since 2015, Griffin has served as an offensive coordinator and assistant coach for a Campbellsville program that secured four district titles and five region championships.
"Coach Griffin brings a track record of success, high energy, strong leadership, and a true passion for developing young men both on and off the field," said Drew Teel, who helped lead the search committee. "His vision aligned perfectly with the values and traditions at Russellville Schools."
A graduate of Franklin-Simpson High School, Griffin was a three-sport athlete before playing four years of collegiate football at Campbellsville University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s in special education, and an Education Specialist licensure from Asbury University.
Beyond his work on the gridiron, school officials noted Griffin’s extensive background in coaching basketball and softball, as well as his commitment to academic achievement.
"I am elated about this wonderful opportunity," Griffin said. "I'm very grateful to the hiring committee and Panther Nation for taking a chance on me and for trusting and believing in me."
Griffin will meet with students and staff at the high school today. The district will formally introduce him to the community during halftime of tonight’s girls' basketball game.