Luke Murray Embraces Challenge of Reviving Dormant BC Men's Basketball Program

New head coach aims to lead BC basketball's return to NCAA Tournament for first time since 2009

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:19pm

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Boston College has introduced UConn assistant coach Luke Murray as its new men's basketball head coach, tasked with reviving a program that has struggled for over a decade. Murray, the son of actor Bill Murray, is known as an elite recruiter and offensive strategist, and he is confident he can turn BC into a 'sleeping giant' in the ACC through an analytical, fast-paced style of play and a renewed focus on winning culture.

Why it matters

BC men's basketball has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2009 and has gone just 72-92 over the last five seasons under former head coach Earl Grant. The hiring of the highly regarded Murray signals a new era for the program, as the school looks to restore relevance and competitiveness in one of the nation's premier basketball conferences.

The details

Murray, who spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach at UConn, helping the Huskies reach the NCAA Tournament each year, inherits a BC program that finished 11-20 this past season. He has vowed to implement an analytical, up-tempo offensive approach and emphasize a 'greater desire and love for playing for the front of the jersey' among his players. Murray said he received assurances from BC's athletic director that the school will be competitive in the NIL and revenue-sharing landscape, which he views as crucial to rebuilding the roster with top talent.

  • Murray was introduced as BC's new head coach on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • He will finish the 2022-23 season as an assistant at UConn before taking over at BC.

The players

Luke Murray

The new head coach of the Boston College men's basketball team, known as an elite recruiter and offensive strategist. He spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach at UConn, helping the Huskies reach the NCAA Tournament each year.

Blake James

The director of athletics at Boston College, who introduced Murray as the new head coach and expressed confidence in his ability to 'elevate The Heights to new heights.'

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, whom Murray served as an assistant under for the past five seasons.

Bill Murray

The famous actor, who is the father of new BC head coach Luke Murray.

Earl Grant

The former head coach of the Boston College men's basketball team, who went 72-92 over the last five seasons before being replaced by Luke Murray.

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What they’re saying

“'He is known as an elite recruiter and an offensive mastermind. He has a proven blueprint for how to bring excellence and championships to Chestnut Hill. And that includes a fast-paced, unselfish and tough brand of basketball that I'm confident will elevate The Heights to new heights.'”

— Blake James, Director of Athletics, Boston College

“'Right now we're not winning enough games. I think the way that we construct our roster, the way that we play basketball – the actual style we play – is going to be very different. And I say that with all due respect to previous styles of play. But we're going to really dive into an analytical model. … We're going to have a very healthy shot diet. It's going to be one that mathematically makes sense.'”

— Luke Murray, Head Coach, Boston College Men's Basketball

“'I think we have to use it as a positive. Having people, our players, when they come in and take visits, be excited about the idea of being in one of the greatest sports towns in the world. … But at the same time, I think it's about identifying guys that are excited about being great college basketball players.'”

— Luke Murray, Head Coach, Boston College Men's Basketball

What’s next

Murray will finish the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach at UConn before officially taking over the BC program. His first order of business will be assembling a coaching staff and beginning the process of recruiting players to fit his desired style of play.

The takeaway

The hiring of Luke Murray, a rising star in the coaching ranks, represents a significant investment by Boston College in reviving its dormant men's basketball program. With his reputation as an elite recruiter and offensive strategist, Murray believes he can turn BC into a 'sleeping giant' in the ACC and restore the program to its former glory of NCAA Tournament appearances.