One of the top assistant coaches in men’s college basketball will have the opportunity to lead his own program.
Connecticut assistant Luke Murray has been hired as Boston University’s new head coach, the university announced on Thursday, March 26th.
Murray is the son of actor Bill Murray and was regularly seen sitting behind the bench at games for most of his son’s coaching career.
Murray, 40, is in his fifth season with the Huskies and has appeared in the 2023 and 2024 national championships. Murray is widely admired for his abilities as an offensive tactician. According to KenPom, UConn ranked third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency in 2023 and ranked first the following season while defending the national title.
“Today marks a turning point for Boston University men’s basketball,” Boston University athletic director Blake James said in a statement. “In Luke Murray, we have found a leader who not only understands the modern college basketball landscape, but has helped define it. His role in building a national championship program, refined offensive vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him the perfect fit to lead our student-athletes. We are thrilled to welcome Luke, his wife, Carla, and their family to the BC community.”
The Huskies will take on Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 27th, seeking their third championship in the past four seasons. Murray will remain in college until the NCAA Tournament.
Murray previously worked with UW coach Dan Hurley at the University of Rhode Island from 2013 to 2015 and at Wagner College from 2010 to 2011. He also served as an assistant at Louisville from 2018-2021 and at Xavier from 2015-2018, serving under Chris Mack at both locations.
He will take over a Boston College program that has struggled most of the time since Al Skinner was fired after the 2009-10 season. Over the past 15 seasons, the Eagles have gone 184-290 overall and 73-200 in ACC play while regularly playing in front of the smallest home crowds at the power conference level. In the last 15 years, they have had two winning records, but never won more than 20 games.
Murray replaces Earl Grant, who went 72-92 in five seasons, including an 11-20 mark last season.
