Release Courtesy Bentley Athletics
WALTHAM, Mass. –
Jim Murphy has announced his retirement as Bentley's head men's lacrosse coach after 34 seasons leading the program.
One of the winningest coaches in Division II men's lacrosse history, Murphy ends his career with 250 victories.
"I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of my experience at Bentley for almost four decades," Murphy said. "Seeing Bentley grow as a campus and university has been a privilege that I have enjoyed being a part of, and meeting so many individuals that have made my life better has been gratifying."
Bentley's head coach since its beginnings as a varsity program in 1993, Murphy led the Falcons to both the Northeast 10 regular season and tournament championship in 1995, 1996 and 1998. He is a six-time NE10 Coach of the Year, most recently in 2023.
Over the last several years the Falcons have been a fixture on the national stage with NCAA Tournament appearances from 2023-25. The team's first appearance in 2023 was preceded by a trip to the NE10 championship game, which earned them a home game in the NCAA first round.
Under his leadership, a Bentley player has been named to a USILA All-America team 17 times.
"
Jim Murphy isn't just part of the history of Bentley men's lacrosse—he
is the history," Director of Athletics
Vaughn Williamscommented. "As the only head coach in the program's varsity history, he shaped every chapter of its story. On behalf of Bentley University and our entire athletics community, I want to thank him for his remarkable service and for building a program that will forever carry his imprint."
Not just successful on the field, Murphy's student-athletes have excelled in the classroom. Bentley has won the NE10 Team Academic Excellence Award for men's lacrosse, given to the team with the best GPA in the conference, five years in a row and 11 years overall.
Ten of his players have been recognized as a USILA Scholar All-American.
Beyond lacrosse, Murphy touched the lives of countless Bentley student-athletes through his involvement with the hockey and soccer programs, playing an especially influential role with the soccer teams during the 1990s.
In addition to serving as the men's lacrosse head coach, Murphy spent many years as the department's Manager of Operations, where his influence extended across campus. Through his leadership in facilities, game-day logistics, and departmental operations, he helped shape the day-to-day experience for student-athletes and staff across Bentley Athletics.
"Coach Murphy's impact went far beyond the lacrosse field. He supported teams, student organizations, and students in general whenever needed," said Bentley's Vice President for Student Affairs Andrew Shepardson. "While his legacy will be the impressive record of men's lacrosse, I will remember the quiet ways he made Bentley a better place."
Murphy was inducted into the Eastern Massachusetts Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2019 and he served as an assistant coach with the Boston Cannons in Major League Lacrosse for over 15 years.
Four of his former players were drafted by a Major League Lacrosse team, Max Adler, T.A. Demoulas, Kevin Gould and Scott Yavarow.
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