UConn Assistant Juggles Final Four Run and New BC Job

Luke Murray must balance coaching UConn in the NCAA tournament while also preparing to take over as Boston College's new head basketball coach.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:19pm

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Boston College's new basketball coach Luke Murray is in a unique situation, having just accepted the job while his current team, UConn, is making a run to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. Murray has had to juggle his responsibilities with both programs, including scouting opponents, organizing a coaching staff, and even attending his introductory press conference at BC, all while UConn continues its quest for a national championship.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by coaches who change jobs in the middle of a high-stakes postseason run. Murray's ability to balance his duties with both UConn and Boston College will be crucial, as he tries to help the Huskies win a title while also laying the groundwork for his new role with the Eagles.

The details

Murray, who is the son of actor Bill Murray, signed on as Boston College's new head coach earlier this month while UConn was preparing for the Sweet 16. Since then, he has had to scout opponents, organize a coaching staff, and even attend his introductory press conference at BC, all while the Huskies have continued their run to the Final Four. After UConn's dramatic win over Duke on Sunday, Murray drove 90 minutes to Boston, met with players, and then headed back to Connecticut to join the team for their flight to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

  • Murray signed on as Boston College's new head coach earlier this month.
  • UConn beat Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on March 24.
  • UConn rallied to beat Duke in the Elite Eight on March 26, getting back to Connecticut around 2 a.m. on March 27.
  • Murray attended his introductory press conference at Boston College on March 28.
  • UConn will play Illinois in the Final Four on April 1.

The players

Luke Murray

The new head basketball coach at Boston College, who is currently an assistant coach at UConn and helping the Huskies make a run to the Final Four.

Bill Murray

Luke Murray's father, who is a famous actor.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn player who hit the game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight.

Earl Grant

The former head coach of the Boston College men's basketball team, who was fired after five seasons.

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What they’re saying

“It's been wild, but I'm so appreciative. Honestly, you can't ask for a better set of circumstances.”

— Luke Murray, New Boston College Head Coach

“I'm going to try to serve as a conduit of peace and try to bring everybody together.”

— Luke Murray, New Boston College Head Coach

“Our sole motivation in winning that game was to bring these two fan bases together.”

— Luke Murray, New Boston College Head Coach

What’s next

Murray will continue to coach with UConn through the Final Four, with the Huskies playing Illinois on April 1. After the tournament, he will fully transition to his new role as head coach at Boston College, where he will begin assembling his coaching staff and preparing for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Luke Murray's ability to juggle his responsibilities with both UConn and Boston College during this critical time showcases his versatility and commitment as a coach. His willingness to 'mend fences' between the two rival programs also demonstrates his diplomatic skills, which will be crucial as he takes over a struggling BC program.