B

Billy J. Murphy

Died
February 21, 2008
Age
87 years

About Billy J. Murphy

Billy J. Murphy, 87, American football coach (University of Memphis).

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Full Biography

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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.

Murphy died in a retirement community in Memphis, Tennessee in 2008.

Head coaching record

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People who died on February 21

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