Billy J. Murphy

Billy J. Murphy
Biographical details
Born(1921-01-13)January 13, 1921
Lorenzo, Texas, U.S.
DiedFebruary 21, 2008(2008-02-21) (aged 87)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Playing career
1941–1942Mississippi State
1946Mississippi State
Position(s)Halfback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1947–1951Memphis State (backfield)
1952–1953Mississippi State (backfield)
1954–1957Minnesota (backfield)
1958–1971Memphis State
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1966–1981Memphis State
Head coaching record
Overall91–44–1
Bowls1–0
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
3 MVC (1968–1969, 1971)
College Football Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2022 (profile)

Billy Jack "Spook" Murphy (January 13, 1921 – February 21, 2008) was an American college football player, coach, and athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Memphis State University—now known as the University of Memphis—from 1958 to 1971, compiling a record of 91–44–1. Murphy's 1963 team was the school's first undefeated team in 25 years, and Murphy was named national coach of the year. Murphy was also the athletic director at Memphis State from 1966 to 1981. He grew up in Siloam Springs, Arkansas and played college football at Mississippi State University.

Murphy met all eligibility requirements and was first on the 2007 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. In 2022, he was inducted.[1]

Murphy died in a retirement community in Memphis, Tennessee in 2008.[2][3]

  1. ^ Calkins, Geoff (January 10, 2022). "Calkins: He's in! Spook Murphy first Tiger in College Football Hall of Fame". The Daily Memphian. Memphis, Tennessee. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  2. ^ "Murphy, former Memphis coach, AD, dies at 87". ESPN. Associated Press. February 21, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  3. ^ "Long-time Former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Billy J. Murphy Passes Away". Gotigersgo.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2012.