Manchester, N.H. (February 29, 2008) – Patrick Murphy has been named as the Saint Anselm College football head coach, announced Ed Cannon, director of athletics.

“Coach Murphy is recognized as one of the most dynamic and creative coaches in the region at any level,” Cannon said. “The Saint Anselm community is excited to have the Patrick Murphy brand of football unfold for the Hawks.”

Murphy brings experience at nearly every level of football to the Hilltop, including as a former assistant coach at Harvard University and most recently as the head coach at Dracut (Mass.) High School. As the head coach at Dracut, Murphy directed the Middies to the school’s first league championship in nearly 20 years and in 2005 was honored as the Lowell Sun Coach of the Year.

During his time as the defensive ends coach at Harvard University, Murphy aided in the development of the defensive playbook, assisted with coaching of all special teams and coached All-Ivy League defensive end Brad Payne. He also assisted with recruiting for the Crimson throughout the West Coast and the Southeast.

Murphy also coached for six years at the Division 2 level, including as associate head coach at UMass Lowell and as the outside linebackers coach at Bryant University. While at UMass Lowell, Murphy began as the secondary coach, as well as the special teams and recruiting coordinator. He was quickly promoted though and served as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator from 1999-2001.

“Patrick is a truly dynamic, young creative football coach who will be a tireless recruiter for Saint Anselm,” said Arthur “Sandy” Ruggles, former head coach at UMass Lowell who worked with Murphy for five seasons. “He will work well with the Saint Anselm community and the student-athletes. Overall, he will be a great coach for the Hawks.”

A 1996 graduate of Northeastern University, Murphy played football for the Huskies and was a fullback, tight end and linebacker. Murphy graduated with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

Murphy resides in Shirley, Mass., with his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters, Tyler (6), Riley (5) and Ava (2).