By: Zachary Davis (@assuredfame)
Grin’s name stands out when you think of the CFSL’s most influential leaders. Last night he notched his 74th career win as an AD, passing Matt Pack for the most all-time. In this article, Grin opened up about the key moments that defined his career, his challenges, and the principles that have guided his success.
“It Takes Everyone to Win”: Grin’s Journey to 74 Wins
Reaching 74 wins is no small feat. For Grin, the journey has been about staying true to his vision. “Staying the course, there are going to be struggles in the beginning, but staying true to the vision,” he said. Grin emphasized the importance of building a family culture at Florida State, where every player, from the freshman 3-star to the senior 5-star, plays a vital role. “Everyone matters, and everyone has a voice,” he added. This inclusive approach, with an open-door policy for all players, has been foundational to his sustained success.
“The SEC Was a Slaughterhouse”: Career Highlights at FSU
Reflecting on his time at FSU, Grin highlighted making the playoffs in their first season as a program in Season 7, especially notable given the formidable competition in the SEC at the time. “When you ask about big games, any one of the wars with Florida always ranks up there,” Grin recalled, describing them as intense and unforgettable battles.
But perhaps his proudest moments came between Seasons 12-15, where he and his team took on the challenge of building a championship roster and perfecting the Pro book, a strategy initially met with skepticism. “No one thought we could make it work, and we got a championship with it,” Grin said proudly. That innovation is now a staple in many programs. For Grin, it’s not about personal accolades. “The Championship was for the players and coaches that put in the work, not for me,” he asserted, always quick to credit the team’s dedication.
“Last Season Was So Tough”: Overcoming Challenges
Grin’s journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. Last season proved to be one of the toughest yet, both on and off the field. “We had such a great group and still have most of them here,” Grin shared, reflecting on the narrow first-round playoff loss to the eventual champions. Despite his health struggles, Grin saw his players rise to the occasion. “No one gave up or complained or jumped ship. I am proud of them all,” he said, highlighting the resilience and commitment of his team. Grin also expressed some lingering regrets, like not securing a championship for some of the league’s true greats, including myself, but his pride in the growth and character of his players shines through.
“This Is Family Here”: The Path to Success
At the heart of Grin’s philosophy is a commitment to teaching and fostering a family environment, both at Florida State and across the league. “If I can instill the culture and work ethic I hold to the program and myself, then I am happy,” he explained. For Grin, it’s about more than just wins and losses—it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of his players. “I’ve hoped to have helped touch lives and make them better; that is the goal,” he said, expressing gratitude for everyone who has been part of his journey.
As Grin is the CFSL’s winningest AD. However, his legacy is defined not just by the numbers, but by the values he’s instilled and the lives he’s touched along the way.
