WENHAM, Mass. -- Gordon College has appointed Tod Murphy to be the new men’s basketball coach. Murphy succeeds Mike Schauer, who coached Gordon for the last seven seasons before assuming the head coaching post this month at Wheaton College in Illinois.
For the past six years, Murphy has been the lead assistant coach at the University of California at Irvine, his alma mater. Prior to that, he spent two years as an assistant at the University of California at Riverside. At Irvine, Murphy has been the recruiting director, offensive coordinator, and a principal scout. UCI finished tied for third last year in the Big West Conference.
A 6’ 9” forward, Murphy had a stellar career as a player. At UCI, he was the team MVP for three straight years, and was twice named to the all-Pacific Coast Athletic Association team. As a senior he received honorable mention in the voting for All-American status. After graduating from UCI with a degree in economics, Murphy went on to play professional basketball for more than a decade, including five years in the NBA. Early in his career, he helped lead the Albany Patroons to the Continental Basketball Association title, and was selected the MVP of the playoffs. He then became the starting forward on the first Minnesota Timberwolves club in 1989, winning the team’s defensive player of the year award and leading the NBA in fewest turnovers. During his five years in the NBA he also completed stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons. Along with his NBA experience, Tod played for several top international clubs, including teams in Italy, Greece, Spain and Japan.
Stan Morrison, the former USC basketball coach who is presently the athletic director at UC Riverside, describes Murphy as an “outstanding man” and an “outstanding coach,” known for his integrity, work ethic, and keen basketball mind. At UCI Murphy is widely respected for his rapport with players and concern for their academic and personal welfare. Murphy will begin his appointment at Gordon on July 15. He, his wife Kelly, and their three daughters look forward to joining the Gordon College community.
