Southwind High School’s head football coach, Jerome Griffin, has been named the Tennessee Titans Coach of the Week. This is a well-deserved honor that shines a spotlight on his leadership and the success of the Jaguars program.
In their first year back competing in Class 6A, the Jaguars are off to a blazing 6-0 start, most recently defeating Briarcrest in a thrilling 48-42 victory. Griffin said the recognition reflects the direction of the program: “Being named Coach of the Week is an honor in that I was nominated by a professional organization and shows that our football program is headed in the right direction.”
For Griffin, coaching has always been about more than wins. After 26 years in the profession, he continues to emphasize character and academics as the foundation of athletic achievement. “My approach has always been to promote being a great student-athlete and letting the discipline part of school help develop the athlete part of the student,” he explained.
Southwind Principal John S. Bush said that philosophy has left a lasting mark on the school: “A coach’s primary responsibility is not only to develop better players, but to shape better people. For the past 26 years, Coach Griffin has done exactly that – consistently guiding, mentoring, and inspiring those he leads.”
As part of the recognition, Coach Griffin will receive a grant from the Tennessee Titans Foundation, providing additional resources to strengthen the Jaguars football program.
Looking ahead, Griffin remains focused on steady progress. “The plan is to be 1-0 every week for the next nine weeks,” he said.
This recognition is more than a personal achievement; it represents the excellence of Memphis-Shelby County Schools athletics on a statewide stage. Congratulations to Coach Griffin and the Southwind Jaguars for this outstanding accomplishment!
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