NAU selects Memphis assistant to lead basketball program

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy, assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Memphis, has been named head men’s basketball coach for Northern Arizona University.

Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, announced the selection today, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents.

“Jack is an exceptional addition to NAU athletics and brings a strong recruiting presence that will attract outstanding talent to the program,” Campos said. “Jack is committed to the university’s excellence in academics and athletics, and under his leadership the Lumberjacks will emerge as a competitive force in the Big Sky.”

Murphy’s experience at various levels of the game, recruiting success and knowledge gained from working with college and professional athletes make him an excellent fit for NAU, Campos said. His career includes working for three successful programs that have a combined 400 wins, 14 postseason appearances and five championships.

“The addition of Lisa Campos and Jack Murphy signals a new era in NAU athletics,” said NAU President John Haeger. “Their experience and enthusiasm will play a key role in engaging students, alumni and the community.”

Both will ensure the continued academic success of NAU’s student athletes, Haeger added.

“It’s an honor to be given this position, especially at this critical recruiting time,” Murphy said. “This is a program that has a rich tradition, has had past success, and I look to build on that success. I hope to be there along the way as we grow together as a university and as a basketball program.”

Murphy joined the coaching staff at Memphis under men’s basketball coach Josh Pastner in 2009, a team that has posted a 75-29 record with three 20-win seasons. During Murphy’s tenure, Memphis earned NCAA tournament berths over the last two seasons.

Prior to Memphis, Murphy spent three years with the Denver Nuggets under the NBA’s active wins leader, George Karl, and eight years at the University of Arizona working with men’s basketball coach Lute Olson.