Dexter Griffen has resigned from his longtime job as Mariner High School’s boys basketball coach.
Griffen, who resigned April 21, coached the Marauders for 11 seasons and guided them to the Class 4A state tournament the past three years. Griffen said he needs a break from the essentially year-round responsibility of being a varsity head coach. He plans to continue teaching health and physical education at Mariner.
This past season Griffen guided the Marauders to a share of the Western Conference South Division title, their first district championship since the mid-1980s and a third consecutive trip to the 4A state championships.
Griffen’s career record was 147-111. He guided Mariner to two 20-win seasons.
Mariner was 21-7 in 1998-99, Griffen’s first season, which the team capped by placing third at the 3A state tournament, the best finish in program history. In Griffen’s final season the Marauders were 20-6.
“Year in (and) year out, he’s been able to have a successful team,” Mariner athletic director/assistant principal Scott Powers said.
One of the most well-known, admired figures in the school, Griffen makes a positive impact as a teacher, coach and mentor, said Powers.
“A lot of it is his undying commitment to those kids. He gives a tremendous amount of time and energy,” Powers said.
The Mukilteo School District will post the Mariner boys basketball coach job opening next week, Powers said.
Look in Wednesday’s Herald for an in-depth story about Griffen’s impact at Mariner.
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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