Union's next head coach will have deep roots with Dutchmen basketball. Union named former assistant coach, point guard and team captain Chris Murphy to lead the program. Murphy, who was an assistant at Emory last season, replaces Bob Montana who moved to an Assistant Ahletic Director position after 17 seasons at the helm of Dutchmen basketball.

The announcement was made August 9 by Union Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin. Murphy becomes the 21st head coach in Union College men's basketball history.

"Chris Murphy was an outstanding student-athlete for Union College, and we are extremely pleased that he will begin his head coaching career at his alma mater," said McLaughlin. "Chris was considered a 'coach on the court' for the Dutchmen. He also was a role model for his teammates in the classroom and in the community. He has played a key role in the success of Emory's program, and we look forward to him drawing on that coaching experience as well as his experience as a Union student-athlete in serving our student-athletes of today and tomorrow."

Murphy returns to Union after serving as an assistant at Emory University since July of 2009. In his four seasons with Emory, he helped the program to an overall record of 74-28 (73% winning percentage). Last season's squad tied for first in the UAA, (20-7, 10-4 in the University Athletic Association), the program's first league top finish since 1989-90. It was also the program's first NCAA playoff appearance since that season. In 2010-11, the Eagles finished 20-5, the first 20-win campaign since 1989-90. In addition, Emory finished second in the UAA with an 11-3 effort, the second-highest league win total in school annals. In his first season with the Eagles' staff in 2009-10, Murphy helped guide the team to 15 victories. Murphy, head coach Jason Zimmerman and fellow assistant Ben Wright were named the 2009-10 UAA Co-Coaching Staff of the Year, and they received that honor again in 2012-13 (two of his four seasons). Murphy began his coaching career at Iona Prep in 2006-07 and joined the Union College coaching staff in 2008-09 as an assistant for two seasons under Head Coach Bob Montana.

"I am truly humbled and excited for this opportunity," said Murphy. "I thank Jason Zimmerman (Emory Head Coach) for the experiences during the past four seasons at Emory, Bob Montana, for the opportunities he's given me as both a player and coach, and Mr. McLaughlin and the search committee for their efforts in this process. I understand the value of a Union College education and the benefit of playing in our historic program, and I will recruit student-athletes who will also appreciate that opportunity. I look forward to continuing the winning tradition at Union and developing our student-athletes on and off the court."

Murphy had an outstanding four year career at Union and served as captain of the team in his senior season. The Dutchmen won 71 games in his four seasons and won ECAC and Liberty League championships. Murphy competed in the post-season in each of his four seasons with the Dutchmen. He became the sixth Union player to record 300 career assists and averaged over 4.0 assists in his career. He was the team's Most Valuable Player in 2004-05. In his final season, 2005-06, Murphy led the Dutchmen with an average of 4.78 assists per game. He also received Liberty League All-Academic honors that year. Murphy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Union in May, 2006. He obtained a Masters of Business Administration the spring of 2009.

Murphy has served as a counselor at various basketball camps, including at Davidson, Elon, Brown, Emory and Union as well as the Five Star Camp.

During his playing career at Iona Prep, Murphy was selected as an All-County, All-City, and All-League member after both his junior and senior years. He was voted the MVP for both the CHSAA City Championship and the Iona Christmas Tournament.