In Episode 70 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Nate Griffin, SIU offensive assistant coach, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation about the coaching journey, player development, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football. Griffin shares his path from growing up in Colorado to playing fullback at the University of Idaho, and how that foundation led him into the coaching profession, with stops at Truman State, Northern Illinois, and five seasons at Minnesota in the Big Ten, where he worked in quality control and gained valuable experience in film study, game planning, and the day-to-day operations of a major college program. The episode dives into Griffin’s return to the field at SIU, where he now coaches tight ends and H-backs — one of the most demanding and versatile positions in football — discussing what he looks for in recruiting, why the role requires a unique blend of size, athleticism and toughness, and how developing players over time remains critical in a sport increasingly shaped by the transfer portal and NIL. Martin and Griffin also explore the realities of modern college football, including roster management, building a culture, and adapting to constant change, while Griffin offers a candid perspective on balancing coaching demands with family life, the sacrifices required in the profession, and the importance of staying grounded amid the pressures of the game. At the heart of the episode is Griffin’s belief in relationships — with players, coaches and families — and the role those connections play in building successful programs, as he reflects on lessons learned throughout his career and the importance of earning trust within a program. It’s an honest, thoughtful and engaging episode filled with behind-the-scenes insight into college football, personal stories from Griffin’s journey, and a deeper look at what it takes to coach and develop student-athletes at a high level.