A Strategic Addition to the Cardinals' Coaching Roster
Bellarmine University has officially added Jo Griffin to its men's basketball staff, appointing him as both assistant coach and director of basketball performance. The move marks a homecoming for Griffin, who spent the previous four years shaping the program's physical conditioning as head sports performance coach.
During his tenure as head sports performance coach, Griffin cultivated a reputation for integrating cutting‑edge training methodologies with individualized athlete development. His work at Bellarmine built on earlier roles as a graduate assistant at Indiana University and as a performance specialist at the University of Evansville.
Griffin's academic foundation includes a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he also captained the basketball team from 2019 to 2021. He later earned a master's in leadership innovation from the University of Evansville, complementing his practical experience on the court and in the weight room.
Beyond his collegiate roles, Griffin has earned certifications from the National Strength & Conditioning Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and USA Weightlifting, underscoring his commitment to evidence‑based practice. His playing career began as a walk‑on at the University of Louisville before he transferred to Kentucky Wesleyan, where he left a lasting impact as a team leader.
In his new capacity, Griffin will focus on the physical development of the Cardinals, designing conditioning programs that aim to enhance durability and performance across the roster. Athletic leadership at Bellarmine views this appointment as a continuation of the program's long‑term strategy to compete at the highest level of Division I basketball.