Joe Griffin began his career as Graduate Assistant Coach for Michigan State, then as Eastern New Mexico's Assistant Coach, and on to Roosevelt University as the Head Coach. Coach Griffin recently joined Lewis University as the Men's Assistant Coach.
Read more about Coach Griffin below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
I got started in coaching by being an assistant Freshman Coach in metro Detroit, and at that age of 23, I fell in love with the profession and have been coaching ever since.
Who has been your biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
My family has been the biggest influence because as a head coach, your most significant function is instilling your values throughout your entire program. I've learned from all Head Coaches where I've been an assistant, and I've learned from all the coaches who have assisted me as a head coach.
What is your favorite team meal?
Pregame for me would be soup and salad. Postgame is anything because even cardboard tastes good after a win.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
Your treatment of people, and your personal philosophy on relationships, etiquette, behavior, and communication, matters more than anything. Technical knowledge is dismissed if people do not like you, trust you, or respect you as a person.
What has been your most memorable win?
Clinching an NAIA tournament bid in 2018 at home in front of a great crowd of alumni and supporters.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
Any notes or lectures from Don Meyer are great, and my favorite authors are Patrick Lencioni, Simon Sinek, Jeff Janssen, and Daniel Coyle.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I'm a pretty regular, boring guy. Very much left-brained and trying to keep things in order.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
Cultivating my relationship with my mentor has been very valuable and fulfilling, as well as participating in the panel zoom calls.