Arizona Basketball hires Jack Murphy as Associate Head Coach

Finally after weeks/ months of turmoil and uncertainty, the Arizona Basketball team found their new Associate Head Coach, except it’s a familiar face!

There have been some rough times here in the old Southwest for about the past year now, but at least their are good things on the horizon for the Arizona Basketball team.

Despite the times of uncertainty, the good thing is that there will soon be familiarity with the Arizona coaching staff. That familiarity is in their new Associate Head Coach/ old Director of Basketball Operations, Jack Murphy.

Arizona Wildcats

Formerly the head coach of the NAU Lumberjacks from 2012-19, for those that recall, Murphy actually spent some time around the Wildcats, serving as the Director of Basketball Operations most notably in 2006 under Lute Olson.

Murphy originally joined the Wildcat staff in 1998 as a team manager, before steadily climbing the coaching ranks.

However, since his time in Tucson, he’s bounced around quite a bit, making stops in the NBA and NCAA.

While in the NBA, Murphy made quite the name for himself among a few players he coached, when he served as the Denver Nuggets’ assistant coach from 2006-09.

But after just a short stint in Denver, he then headed to Memphis, serving as an assistant under Josh Pastner from 2009-12, before landing in Flagstaff as head coach of the Lumberjacks.

However, after eight seasons at NAU and going just a combined 78-149 as head coach, Murphy will apparently return to his roots, where he will be an assistant coach for the Wildcats this season!

The news of Murphy’s hire made its rounds on social media, after it was announced by the school on Sunday evening!

This hire should be welcomed by virtually everyone. Murphy although unsuccessful at NAU, made for a terrific associate head coach, and has head coaching experience, which will be huge for the Wildcats moving forward.

He’s known to be a solid recruiter, helping the Tigers to secure a Top 5 recruiting class in 2010! Plus, he’s even well liked by former NBA players, and it’s not bad thing to get a praise from a former Arizona player as well! 😉

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for the addition of Jack, and can’t wait to see what he can bring to the program! As always, welcome and Bear Down, Arizona!