Boston College Names Luke Murray, Son of Bill Murray, as New Head Coach Boston College announced on Thursday, March 26, that Luke Murray, a highly regarded assistant coach from the University of Connecticut, has been hired as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program. The 40-year-old Murray, whose father is actor Bill Murray, will take over a program that has struggled to maintain competitiveness in recent years. Murray’s hiring marks a significant shift for Boston College, which has faced challenges in recent seasons, including a lack of consistent success and low attendance at home games. Murray’s career has been defined by his contributions to successful programs. During his fifth season with the Huskies, UConn secured national championships in 2023 and 2024, cementing its status as a powerhouse in college basketball. Under Murray’s guidance, the team achieved third-place finishes in adjusted offensive efficiency in 2023 and first place in 2024, showcasing his expertise in offensive strategy. His ability to design high-level offensive plays has been a key factor in UConn’s dominance, and Boston College athletic director Blake James praised Murray’s vision and leadership. James highlighted Murray’s role in shaping modern college basketball, stating, “In Luke Murray, we have found a leader who does not just understand the modern landscape of college basketball—he has helped define it. His role in building a national championship caliber program, his sophisticated offensive vision, and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him the perfect fit to lead our student-athletes.” Murray will join the BC coaching staff alongside his wife, Kara, and their family, marking a new chapter for the program.#uconn #boston_college #blake_james #bill_murray #luke_murray
Boston College Hires UConn Assistant Luke Murray as Head Coach Boston College announced on Thursday that it has hired Luke Murray, a former assistant coach at UConn, as its new head coach for the men’s basketball program. Murray, who has been a key figure in UConn’s success over the past several years, will take over a program with a rich basketball tradition and a strong academic reputation. The hiring marks a significant shift for the Eagles, as Murray brings a wealth of experience in building high-level programs and shaping offensive strategies that have led to national championships. Murray, the son of actor and comedian Bill Murray, played a pivotal role in the development of UConn’s back-to-back national championship teams. His contributions to the Huskies’ offensive system have been instrumental in transforming the program into one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. At UConn, Murray has worked under head coach Dan Hurley, serving as an assistant since 2021. His tenure has coincided with a dramatic improvement in the team’s performance, as UConn’s adjusted offensive efficiency rankings have consistently ranked among the top 30 in the nation since his arrival. Before Murray joined Hurley’s staff, the Huskies had finished 64th and 85th in the category over the previous two years, but they have never dropped below 30th since his hiring. In 2023 and 2024, UConn finished first and third in the nation in that metric, respectively, during their championship campaigns. Murray’s impact at UConn extends beyond statistical success. He has established himself as a top-tier recruiter and a strategic mind capable of adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball. His ability to design and implement offensive systems that maximize player potential has been a cornerstone of the Huskies’ dominance.#dan_hurley #uconn #boston_college #bill_murray #luke_murray
UConn's men's basketball program has become a dominant force in college basketball, with Dan Hurley at the helm since 2018. Under his leadership, the Huskies have compiled a 196-74 record, including back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. Hurley has guided the team to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past six seasons, with a recent return to the Sweet Sixteen. His success is supported by a coaching staff that blends experience, expertise, and unique personal connections. The coaching staff includes four primary coaches: Hurley, associate head coach Kimani Young, and assistants Luke Murray and Mike Nardi. Murray, the son of actor Bill Murray, has carved his own path in basketball coaching. He joined UConn in 2021 after three years as an assistant at Louisville and has been instrumental in the program's recent success. Murray will soon take on a new role as head coach at Boston College, departing UConn after the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Young, who has been coaching since 2012, began his career at FIU before moving to Minnesota and eventually joining Hurley’s staff in 2018. Nardi, the youngest member of the staff, transitioned from a professional playing career to coaching in 2017, serving at Villanova before joining UConn ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Together, these assistants contribute to the Huskies’ strategic and developmental success. Beyond the coaching staff, UConn’s support team includes roles such as general manager, director of basketball administration, player development, and sports performance. These positions ensure the program’s operational and athletic excellence. The staff’s collective efforts have helped maintain UConn’s status as a powerhouse, balancing tradition with innovation. Hurley’s ability to assemble and lead such a cohesive team underscores his impact on the program.#dan_hurley #uconn #boston_college #luke_murray #kimani_young
Marco Sturm Opens Up On Bruins Potentially Adding James Hagens The Boston Bruins may soon add James Hagens to their roster after the conclusion of his college season at Boston College. Hagens was selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and returned to Boston College for the year. With his collegiate season now over, there were rumors he could sign with the Bruins, but no official moves have been made yet. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm addressed the possibility of Hagens joining the team during a post-practice interview. When asked about the potential addition, Sturm expressed openness to the idea. “It’s always a challenge for everyone,” he said. “The good thing is with me, over the past, especially in Ontario, I always had college kids coming in. Maybe not (the skill of) Hagens, but they were college kids at the end of the day, they hadn’t played against men. It’s always a challenge, but I’m prepared if it happens.” Hagens, who played for Boston College this past season, finished with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 34 games. His performance earned him a spot among the top 10 candidates for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, an honor given to the nation’s best college hockey player. If signed, Hagens could contribute as a top-six forward, bringing speed and skill to the Bruins’ lineup. Despite Sturm’s openness, no formal agreement has been reached. The Bruins are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a home game on Tuesday, marking their next scheduled contest. More NHL: Analyst Gives Bruins Positive Prediction On Potential James Hagens Impact#boston_bruins #boston_college #marco_sturm #james_hagens #hobey_baker_memorial_award
UMaine Hockey Faces Boston College in Playoff Clash The University of Maine Black Bears will face off against the Boston College Eagles in a Hockey East playoff quarterfinal matchup on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. The game, set for 7 p.m. at the Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, will determine which team advances to the conference semifinals at the TD Garden in Boston next weekend. Boston College, ranked No. 4 in the Hockey East tournament, hosts UMaine, the No. 5 seed, in a high-stakes contest. The winner will secure a spot in the semifinals, while the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. The game will be broadcast on NESN and streamed on ESPN+, which requires a subscription, as well as other paid platforms like Fubo. UMaine enters the matchup with an overall record of 18-13-3 and has posted a strong performance in its last six games, going 4-1-1. The Black Bears will look to build on their recent success against Boston College, having split a regular-season series in November. The Eagles claimed the first game 7-3, but UMaine responded with a 3-0 victory the following night. Boston College, meanwhile, carries a 19-14-1 record into the playoffs but has struggled in recent games, losing four consecutive contests. The team’s ability to rebound from its losing streak will be critical in Friday’s showdown. Both squads will need to capitalize on their strengths and address weaknesses to secure a playoff berth. The game promises to be a pivotal moment for both programs, with the outcome shaping their postseason prospects. Fans across the Hockey East conference will be watching closely as the Black Bears and Eagles battle for a chance to advance to the semifinals.#eagles #boston_college #university_of_maine #black_bears #conte_forum
No. 17 Eagles Shut Out Maine in Hockey East Quarterfinals The No. 17/16 Boston College men’s hockey team secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Maine in the Hockey East Quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Kelley Rink. The Eagles’ dominance was highlighted by a flawless performance from goaltender Louka Cloutier, who made 18 saves to record his fourth shutout of the season. James Hagens led the scoring effort with three points, including two goals and an assist, extending his career-best point streak to 13 games. The game began with Boston College taking control early, as Teddy Stiga and James Hagens each scored within the first six minutes. Stiga’s goal came after he capitalized on a loose puck dumped into the defensive zone by Luka Radivojevic, which bounced off the boards and allowed Stiga to fire it past the Maine netminder. Just 39 seconds later, Hagens doubled the lead with his 22nd goal of the season. His initial shot was blocked, but the rebound fell directly to him for a top-corner finish. Boston College continued to pressure Maine in the second period, with Oskar Jellvik scoring his second goal of the season late in the third period. The goal followed a turnover in Maine’s defensive zone, where Ryan Conmy’s forecheck led to a pass to Jellvik for a one-timer. The Eagles sealed the win with two empty-net goals from Dean Letourneau and Hagens, ensuring a 5-0 final score. Cloutier’s performance was critical in maintaining the shutout, particularly in the second period, where he made nine key saves. The Eagles’ offensive success was bolstered by strong individual contributions, including 15th assists from Lukas Gustafsson and Luka Radivojevic, and Dean Letourneau’s 20th goal of the season.#boston_college #maine #hockey_east_quarterfinals #louka_cloutier #james_hagens
Boston College Announces Leadership Change in Men’s Basketball Program Boston College has announced that Earl Grant will not return as head coach of the men’s basketball team for the 2026-2027 season. William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Blake James confirmed the decision, stating that the university has greater expectations for the program and believes a change in leadership is necessary to alter the team’s trajectory. James praised Grant’s dedication over the past five seasons, calling him a man of high character who represented the institution with class. Grant, who led the team to an overall record of 72-92 and a 31-67 mark in conference play during his tenure, will depart after five seasons. James emphasized the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college basketball and providing a world-class experience for student-athletes. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with the goal of finding someone who aligns with Boston College’s vision of excellence both on and off the court. The announcement comes as the team concludes its regular season with a game against Notre Dame, where they secured a 77-69 victory on Senior Day. Despite the win, the program has faced challenges in recent years, including a 72-63 loss to Virginia Tech on the road and a 25-point performance from senior standout Boden Kapke in a previous matchup. The search for a new coach is expected to focus on candidates who can rebuild the program’s competitiveness and academic success.#notre_dame #boston_college #earl_grant #blake_james #boden_kapke
Boston College Fires Men’s Basketball Coach Earl Grant Boston College has fired men’s basketball coach Earl Grant after five seasons in which the Eagles never made the NCAA tournament and finished above .500 just once. Grant, who took over the program in 2021 following Jim Christian’s departure, compiled a 72-92 overall record and a 30-67 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference during his tenure. The decision marks the longest NCAA tournament drought in program history, as BC has not secured a bid since Al Skinner’s teams earned seven appearances between 2001 and 2009—a span that included four head coaches, five athletic directors, and two conference transitions. Grant, 49, previously led the College of Charleston to five consecutive winning seasons, including a 2018 campaign that earned him the Colonial Athletic Association’s coach of the year award and a berth in the NCAA tournament. At Boston College, he showed gradual improvement in his first three years, guiding the Eagles to 13, then 16, and finally 20 victories before the team’s performance declined. Over the past two seasons, BC won just seven ACC games combined and missed the 15-team conference tournament in back-to-back years. The program’s struggles extend beyond basketball. Boston College, one of the early schools to transition leagues during the NCAA’s conference realignment era, left the Big East for the ACC in 2005. Since joining the conference, the Eagles have posted a 305-368 record, the worst in ACC history. The women’s basketball team, which recently fired coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee, has also failed to reach the NCAA tournament since 2006, its first year in the ACC. Meanwhile, the football team went 2-10 this season, winning just one conference game and securing only one bowl victory in a decade.#ncaa_tournament #boston_college #earl_grant #atlantic_coast_conference #college_of_charleston
Boston College Fires Men's Basketball Coach Earl Grant Boston College has fired its men’s basketball coach, Earl Grant, marking the end of his five-year tenure at the school. The decision was announced on Sunday, with the athletic department expressing gratitude for Grant’s contributions while stating the institution has “greater expectations” for the basketball program. Grant, who had three seasons remaining on his contract, had it extended through the 2028-29 season. The firing comes as Boston College finished the season with an 11-20 record overall and a 4-14 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The Eagles placed ahead of only the last-place Yellow Jackets (11-20, 2-16) in the conference standings. Grant’s five-year record at Boston College includes a total of 72 wins and 92 losses, with the team posting a winning season in just one of those campaigns. Boston College is the second ACC team to dismiss its head coach this week, following Georgia Tech’s decision to fire Damon Stoudamire. The Eagles’ performance this season fell short of expectations, prompting the school to initiate a national search for a new head coach. Athletic director Blake James emphasized the institution’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college basketball and providing a “world-class experience” for student-athletes. James stated that the search for a replacement will begin immediately, with the new coach expected to align with the school’s vision of excellence both on and off the court. The decision to part ways with Grant reflects the pressures faced by collegiate athletic programs to balance competitive success with academic and institutional goals. Grant’s departure underscores the challenges of maintaining a winning culture in a highly competitive conference.#georgia_tech #boston_college #earl_grant #atlantic_coast_conference #blake_james
