MOSES LAKE — The future of the Moses Lake High School football program became a little clearer last week when Moses Lake defensive coordinator Todd Griffith was selected to take over the program after head coach Greg Kittrell resigned.

Griffith had spent the last 16 seasons on the sidelines as a varsity assistant coach before being appointed interim head coach last week by Moses Lake Athletic Director Loren Sandhop.

Griffith graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1986 before playing college football at Spokane Falls Community College.

The new coach may be the first Moses Lake graduate to walk the sidelines as the head  of the football program, Kittrell said.

“I could stand to be corrected but I think (Griffith) is the first local boy to grab the reins of the (football program),” Kittrell said. “I think that is so cool.”

Griffith said it is an honor to lead the football program at the same place he went to high school.

“When I left (for college), I always wanted to come back,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. I was elated.”

After playing football for the Spokane Falls Bigfoot, Griffith continued his football career at Central Washington University (CWU) where he played two seasons for CWU head coach Mike Dunbar.

Griffith now replaces Kittrell who had led the Chiefs football team for 14 years.

Kittrell stepped down from coaching last week after accepting an assistant principal position with Moses Lake High School.

Griffith and Kittrell coached together at Moses Lake for years and Griffith said he appreciates being  named Kittrell’s successor.

“Greg brought me here a long time ago thinking things would work out like they did,” he said. “It is nice to know that people appreciate what you do.”

Kittrell was 101-116 in 14 years as the head football coach at Moses Lake and said Griffith was an excellent candidate to fill the vacant position.

“(He is) ideal,” Kittrell said. “Of course (he) would be my pick. I am excited for him to get the opportunity. I feel like Todd is more than ready to assume the responsibility of a head coach. I am excited for him and his family. I know Moses Lake football is in good hands.”

Although Kittrell will no longer lead the Chiefs on the football field, he is anxious for the future of the football program and Moses Lake High School.

“I am excited for the new challenge for Todd and to be a part of Moses Lake High School in yet another capacity,” he said.

The 2009 season marks the first under Griffith and he is excited to lead the Chiefs onto the field for the first time.

“I know I am going to be nervous with all of those firsts,” he said. “From this point forward it is going to be my deal. I have great people who are coaching with me. My assistants are all wonderful. It is going to make it a lot easier on me.”

The Chiefs are scheduled to open the 2009 season and the Griffith era on Sept. 4 at Lions Field in Moses Lake against the visiting Chiawana Riverhawks.