An outstanding talent evaluator who is recognized state-wide for his coaching know-how, unquestioned character, integrity, recruiting skills, rapport with players and work ethic, legendary coach Bernard Griffith began a new era in Dillard University Men's Basketball when he was named head coach of the Bleu Devils effective July 25, 2011.

Bernard Griffith is an intelligent, honest, confident, well-spoken basketball coach. He is a family man and a complete coach who cares for his players and program to the highest degree. Under Griffith, student-athletes have improved as players on the court and developed as citizens off the court. His players consistently graduate and achieve high scores on state-administered exams. For Griffith, basketball is a lifestyle, not a job. He believes teamwork, offensive efficiency, hard-nosed defense, rebounding and quality shot selection are the key ingredients to winning state championships.

In 37 years as a head or assistant coach, Bernard Griffith has compiled a career record of 744-226, good for a .767 winning percentage. His most compelling coaching stint came at St. Augustine High School, where in 25 years, Griffith posted a remarkable record of 635-145, making him arguably one of the most successful and prolific coaches ever to coach in the state of Louisiana. Griffith's illustrious career at St. Augustine included 12 district championships in 18 years, 13 straight playoff appearances, eight Final-Four appearances, three state championships, a USA Today and ESPN National Championship, and four state championship runner-up finishes. Griffith coached several former NBA players including New Orleans natives Kerry Kittles, Pointer Williams, Torry Andrews, Hollis Price and New Jersey Nets Head Coach Avery Johnson. 

From 2005-2007, Griffith served as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, the Dallas Mavericks finished with the overall best record in the NBA and reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat. 

Bernard Griffith began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Jesuit High School in 1974. He accepted his first head coaching job in 1977 with Xavier University. At Xavier, Griffith took over a men's program with a 2-6 record; they went on to finish the season at 20-10.

 Griffith's impact goes beyond the teaching, motivation and X's and O's of his on-the-court skills. His charisma, tireless work ethic, captivating speaking skills and widespread appeal have mesmerized his peers and left an everlasting impression on basketball throughout the state of Louisiana.

A native of Washington, DC, Bernard Griffith attended Macklin High School before graduating from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland in 1967. He attended Kansas State University from 1967-68 before moving to New Orleans, LA and graduating from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education in 1971.

Griffith went on to earn a master's of arts and teaching in history and education from Tulane University in 1975. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.