Penn Parts Ways with Longtime Men's Lacrosse Coach Mike Murphy

The University of Pennsylvania announced a “leadership change” for its men’s lacrosse program Tuesday, meaning longtime Penn head coach Mike Murphy will not return for a 17th season.

"I want to thank Mike for his service to Penn men's lacrosse and its student-athletes for the past 16 seasons," athletic director Alanna Wren said in a press release posted on the university’s athletics website. "While difficult, a change in leadership is needed to elevate the men's lacrosse program to compete for Ivy and national championships. We wish Mike and his family the best in his next chapter."

Murphy has been the Quakers’ head coach since 2010, when he came over from Division III Haverford College. He’s the all-time winningest coach in Penn history with a career mark of 109-96 at the school. He was the Ivy League Coach of the Year and USILA Division I Coach of the Year in 2019, when the Quakers won their conference tournament and made it to the NCAA quarterfinals. They repeated the feat in 2022.

Penn fell to Princeton in the Ivy League tournament the next two years, including the 2024 final. The Quakers, who under Murphy have played perennially one of the most difficult schedules in the country, lost their last six games this year and finished 4-10 — their worst mark since 2012.

Mike Abbott is the associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Penn. Casey Ikeda is the defensive coordinator and Rob Forster is an assistant coach.

Wren said Penn would start a national search for a new head coach effective immediately. The university has hired an executive search firm, Elevate, to conduct the search.

Considering Penn’s pedigree — the Quakers have played in the NCAA tournament 14 times since the program’s 1971 inception and are centrally located in lacrosse hotbed Philadelphia — the job should attract significant attention.

The other current head coach openings in Division I are St. Bonaventure and VMI. Hampton and Hobart have already filled their vacancies. The timing of Penn's decision is peculiar, as coaches are currently in the heart of recruiting season at summer tournaments and showcases.

Murphy’s impact on the game stems beyond the sideline. He has previously served in leadership roles with the NCAA, USA Lacrosse and the IMLCA.