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In eight years as Lute Olson's staff, Jack Murphy has worn several hats: team leader, recruiting coordinator, administrative assistant, video coordinator and operations manager.
Murphy is back and his title is more impressive: Associate Head Coach.
Murphy left his position as head coach of the NAU Sunday night and joined Sean Miller's bench as the main assistant, the two schools announced. Murphy replaces Mark Phelps, on leave with pay since February. No details of the contract were immediately available.
"There is no other school in the country where my wife and I would leave the NAU," Murphy said in a statement released Sunday night. "When coach Miller called, it reminded me of so many memories and emotions. It's something that I could not pass up for my family. Being a Wildcat d & # 39; Arizona, it's part of who you are always. "
Miller said in a press release that it was "very exciting" to welcome Murphy. Murphy, who will turn 40 next month, holds an undergraduate degree and a master's degree from the AU. He and his wife Michelle, daughter of former sports director Jim Livengood, have three children.
"Jack combines invaluable experience as a head coach, national college basketball recruiting and an NBA pedigree," Miller said. "More importantly, Jack has a love for Arizona Basketball and our community, which I've never met as a coach, he's a great person, a caring family member and a great coach. of our program are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for an exciting year ahead. "
Murphy spent from 1998 to 2006 at the AU, where he became friends with future NBA players, Luke Walton, Richard Jefferson and others. Murphy then spent three seasons (2006-09) as assistant to the Denver Nuggets of the NBA and in 2009-12 as assistant to the former Wildcat Josh Pastner of the University of Memphis.
NAU coach Jack Murphy did not go easily on Wednesday, accusing a technical foul with a 67-28 loss to his team.
Walton and Jefferson both hailed Murphy's hiring in the AU release.
"Having Murph back in Arizona is fantastic," Jefferson said. "His loyalty, high character and basketball knowledge will be a great asset to Sean and our program – I could not be more enthusiastic today and for the future of Arizona Basketball."
Walton said: "Murph was there when I was a freshman in Arizona when we lost the national title in 2001, and there in 2003 when we lost in Elite Eight. helped me prepare for the 2003 NBA draft and was there for me, since when I think of Wildcat basketball and what it means, I think of Jack Murphy, he will do a great job for Sean, and my family and I will support our cats! "
Murphy joins a coaching staff that includes assistants Justin Gainey and Danny Peters. He replaces Phelps, who earned $ 275,000 a year when the AU put him on paid leave in February. The AU never motivated its decision, but ESPN reported that Phelps was charged with an NCAA violation regarding university transcripts of former recruit Shareef O. Neal. The AU initially announced its intention to terminate Phelps, but appears to be letting its contract expire.
NAU coach Jack Murphy said he was happy not to play the Arizona Wildcats this year. Nevertheless, loggers will not have the easy task: they will have to travel to Xavier, Toledo, Ole Miss, Middle Tennessee State, Saint Mary's and Norfolk State.
Murphy went 68-128 in six seasons at NAU, although the presence of a new sports director casts doubt on his job security. Murphy told The Associated Press two weeks ago that his sporting director Mike Marlow, who announced in March that Murphy would be in the final year of his contract, understood the issues.
"Once we sat down, we sort of understood that you were entering the final year of your contract and that you had to run," he said. "Do not put wins or defeats, or place in the standings, but you just have to perform."
Marlow said Sunday evening that "NAU Athletics is grateful to (Murphy) for his work ethic, dedication and passion for basketball, and we wish him and his wonderful family the best of luck. when they come back to a program and a university that interests them all … about deeply. "
North Carolina head coach Jack Murphy points to one of his players at a college basketball game organized by the NCAA against the US. Arizona, Monday, December 23, 2013, in Tucson, Arizona. Arizona won 77-44. (AP Photo / John MIller)
The AU has recently published a position description of Associate Head Coach, looking for candidates with three years of experience as a coach, a bachelor's degree and a commitment to compliance. Pac-12, NCAA and UA, among others. A diploma in UA, an acquaintance with the history of the program and the love of the Wildcats were not on the list, but they certainly constitute an advantage. Murphy said in a press release that "there is no one I can rely on as coach Olson – my job is to perpetuate his legacy to the best of my abilities."
"I am very happy to be back at the University of Arizona," Murphy said. "What's great about Arizona Basketball is that you never leave the family.You just come home after a long vacation to get to work and help coach (Sean) Miller to reach all the goals it has set for Arizona I can only "wait to get started. "
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