Former Head Coach Johnny Griffith Passes Away

April 28, 2003 | Football

April 28, 2003

DULUTH, Ga.-----Former Georgia football coach Johnny Griffith passed away Monday morning in Duluth, Ga. at the age of 78 years.

"Johnny Griffith-A Georgia Bulldog who gave great service to the University of Georgia as a football player and a coach," said Georgia Director of Athletics Vince Dooley. "When I replaced Coach Griffith as head coach, I will never forget that he went the extra mile to help and cooperate during the transition period. He will always be remembered as a good friend and supporter of the program, and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family."

Griffith, a native of Crawfordville, Ga., lettered as player and served as both an assistant and head coach for the Bulldogs. He earned is letter as a member of the 1946 undefeated team that won both the SEC title that season as well as the Sugar Bowl. Griffith still holds the record the longest rushing touchdown in school history with his 89-yard touchdown run against Furman in 1946.