ANDERSON, S.C. - After spending two seasons at the helm of the Anderson University men's soccer program, head coach John Murphy has stepped down from his current position to become the Associate Head Coach at Division I Boston College, announced Monday by Director of Athletics, Nancy Simpson.
"My time has gone by too quickly here at AU, and that is a testament to how much my family and I enjoyed ourselves as members of the Trojan family," Murphy said. "The opportunity to go back to Boston and return to the best men's soccer conference in Division I was too good to pass up, but I do so with a heavy heart. I would like to thank Dr. Whitaker, the faculty and staff, and in particular my Athletic Director Nancy Simpson for their support and kindness over the past two seasons. Additionally, my assistant coach Michael Zion has been with me every step of the way, and we couldn't have had the success we enjoyed without his important contribution. My wife and I have made great friendships in such a short time, and plan on building on them despite moving back to New England."
A native of Quincy, Mass., Murphy returns to The Bay State, after spending several years coaching at the collegiate and professional level. There, Murphy coached at Assumption College (Worcester, Mass.) and Massasoit Community College (Brockton, Mass.), where he won a national championship as a player. While coaching at the collegiate level, Murphy was named NSCAA New England Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1999, while also capturing eight conference championships and a 2000 ECAC Division II Championship at Assumption.
Also at the collegiate level, Murphy spent two seasons at Division I Clemson where he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. According to College Soccer News, Murphy's recruiting class was ranked 17th nationally in 2011 and 19th in 2012.
At the professional level, Murphy has worked with Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew working as an assistant coach and Director of Player Development throughout his time in the MLS.
Internationally, Murphy became the first American-born head coach in Great Britain after taking over Scotland's Livingston F.C. in 2009.
In his first season at Anderson, the Trojans got off to one of their slowest starts in program history before rattling off a 3-0-1 mark to close the season en route to their third straight South Atlantic Conference Tournament championship.
"I am extremely grateful to John for his contributions and commitment to the AU men's soccer program," Simpson said. "He has worked tirelessly as the consummate professional, and has taken the program to new heights. He will be sorely missed, but I wish for John the very best in all of his future endeavors."
This season, AU finished the regular season with a 10-5-3 record, including a 4-0-1 record against nonconference regional opponents, and advanced to its fourth-straight conference tournament championship before falling to Queens, 2-0. Despite the setback, Anderson advanced it to its first NCAA Tournament in two seasons, falling in the opening round to eventual national runner-up Carson-Newman, 3-2.
"I would especially like to thank every young man who played for me during my time at Anderson," Murphy said. "Your talent, passion and commitment led us to every victory we enjoyed together. All of you will be missed. I am looking forward to following your new successes in the coming years both on and off the field."
Murphy will remain the head coach of the Trojans until March 30 before taking on the position at Boston College where he joins head coach Ed Kelly, who has spent 30 seasons with the Eagles.
