NAU Men’s Basketball Coach Jack Murphy Resigns To Join Arizona’s Staff

The Jack Murphy era has come to an end in Flagstaff as he resigned Sunday as head coach of the NAU men’s basketball program to become the assistant head coach at the University of Arizona under Sean Miller. NAU Athletics said in a statement that NAU assistant coach Shane Burcar has been named interim head coach for the 2019-20 season. Athletic Director Mike Marlow says assistant coaches Jason Sanchez and Gaellan Bewernick will return on the staff. Bewernick is a former player, and graduate assistant under Murphy and will be elevated to assistant coach status. Marlow said NAU will conduct a national search for a coach, but says “I won’t be surprised if Shane emerges as a very strong candidate.” As for Murphy, Marlow said “we wish him and his wonderful family the very best as they return to a program and university that they all care about deeply.” Murphy thanked the community and told KAFF News, “My wife and kids have been blessed to be part of this community for the past seven years and we have loved every minute of it.” He tells fans “please get out and support all NAU athletic teams, there are amazing student athletes out there competing and they need the support of the community to be successful.” Murphy’s seven seasons in Flagstaff were highlighted by a school-record 23 wins and a trip to the CIT Tournament title game in 2014-15.