Bill Murray's Surprising Connection to UConn Men's Basketball

The famous actor's son, Luke, is an assistant coach for the Huskies.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:00pm

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Actor Bill Murray has been a frequent presence at UConn men's basketball games this spring, cheering on the team. The reason? His son, Luke Murray, is an assistant coach for the Huskies under head coach Dan Hurley. Luke, 40, is one of Bill's six sons and is set to become the new head coach of the Boston College basketball team next season.

Why it matters

Bill Murray's fandom and support for his son's coaching career at the college level highlights the unique father-son dynamic they share, as well as the actor's growing appreciation for his son's passion for basketball, which he initially viewed as a "strange hobby." Luke's upcoming head coaching role at Boston College also marks an exciting new chapter for the program.

The details

Luke Murray is one of Bill Murray's six sons, born from the actor's first marriage to Margaret Kelly. Though the two don't have "traditional father-son conversations," Luke says Bill has become an increasingly proud supporter of his basketball coaching career as he has climbed the ranks. Next season, Luke will take over as the new head coach of the Boston College basketball team, a move he says will usher in a "new era" for the program that his famous father is eager to be a part of.

  • Bill Murray has been a frequent presence at UConn men's basketball games this spring.
  • Next season, Luke Murray will become the new head coach of the Boston College basketball team.

The players

Bill Murray

A famous American actor known for his comedic roles in films like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation.

Luke Murray

Bill Murray's 40-year-old son, who is currently an assistant coach for the UConn men's basketball team and will become the new head coach of the Boston College basketball team next season.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, under whom Luke Murray serves as an assistant coach.

Margaret Kelly

Bill Murray's first wife, with whom he had two of his six sons, including Luke Murray.

Jennifer Butler

Bill Murray's second wife, with whom he had four additional sons.

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What they’re saying

“We don't really have those traditional father-son conversations that it seems that a lot of people do. It just wasn't a part of my upbringing. But I do think there was probably a time where he made a change in mentality as far as what I was doing.”

— Luke Murray, Assistant Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“As I've kind of grown and climbed the ladder in college basketball, so to speak, I think he has a greater appreciation for it. And at this point, he's as big a supporter as anyone.”

— Luke Murray, Assistant Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“We're different people, and I think he probably likes it that way.”

— Luke Murray, Assistant Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“Growing up, he thought basketball was a 'strange hobby to have,' but now he sees how far it's come, and he's really proud of it.”

— Luke Murray, Assistant Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“It's going to be a new era of BC basketball. It's going to start right away. It's going to become an incredibly exciting brand of basketball, and I think something that people can really, really get behind.”

— Luke Murray, Incoming Head Coach, Boston College Basketball

What’s next

Next season, Luke Murray will take over as the new head coach of the Boston College basketball team, ushering in a "new era" for the program that his famous father Bill Murray is eager to support.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unique father-son dynamic between Bill Murray and his son Luke, as well as the actor's growing appreciation for his son's passion for basketball, a sport he initially viewed as a "strange hobby." Luke's upcoming head coaching role at Boston College also marks an exciting new chapter for the program that will have the support of its famous new superfan.