Griffin ready to help Hinsdale Central move forward

If anyone knows and understands Hinsdale Central football, it's Brian Griffin.

A 2003 graduate and an 11-year assistant coach in the program, Griffin's next move became clear over the last two months.

Griffin on Wednesday was named Hinsdale Central's next head football coach following approval by the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 school board.

"It's something I've always wanted to do with the right program," Griffin said. "To be able to do this at a place I played at and was so formative for me, it's very exciting."

It's been a tumultuous off-season for the Red Devils after the school board in December voted to eliminate football to help close a budget shortfall. Then in March, Dan Hartman resigned as the head coach to accept the same position at Lyons Twp.

The board reinstated football after an April referendum passed. Two weeks ago Griffin was named interim head coach, a tag that was removed on Wednesday.

"It's been a rough off-season for the kids," Griffin said. "We've been in limbo for so long, it's nice to have a direction and start moving forward."

Griffin, who played on the Red Devils' state semifinal team in 2002, inherits a team that went 8-3 in the fall and made the playoffs for an eighth straight season. Given Griffin's coaching experience in the program, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator, the transition should be seamless.

"It's a successful program that's done well," Griffin said. "We won't be redefining that. I want to make sure everyone knows they have a role in the program. Whatever that role is, do it to the best of your ability."

Twitter: @kevin_schmit