John L. Griffith

John L. Griffith (August 20, 1877 – December 7, 1944) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player, track athlete, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the first commissioner of the Big Ten Conference from 1922 until his death in 1944. His career football coaching record was 49 wins, 31 losses, and 7 ties.

Coaching career

Morningside

Griffith was the head college football coach for the Morningside Mustangs located in Sioux City, Iowa. He held that position for 3 seasons, from 1905 until 1907. His coaching record at Morningside was 13 wins, 6 losses and 4 ties. As of the conclusion of the 2009 season, this ranks him #8 at Morningside in total wins and #3 at the school in winning percentage (.652).

Drake

Griffith was the tenth head coach for the Drake University Bulldogs located in Des Moines, Iowa and he held that position for eight seasons, from 1908 until 1915. His overall coaching record at Drake was 36 wins, 25 losses, and 3 ties. This ranks him seventh at Drake in terms of total wins and seventh at Drake in terms of winning percentage. During his time at Drake, he created the Drake Relays in 1910.