Murphy named AD at Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill., May 22 (UPI) -- Former Washington Redskins All-Pro safety Mark Murphy has been named the new athletic director at Northwestern.

He has held a similar post at Colgate the past 11 years. His new job becomes effective June 16.

"Mark understands our goals and values at Northwestern -- to maintain the highest academic standards while competing at the highest level on the field, and providing outstanding recreational opportunities for our students," said President Henry S. Bienen. "We are confident that, under his direction, Northwestern's athletics will continue their recent track record of success, and our club sports and recreational offerings will be enhanced even further for the entire Northwestern community."

Murphy holds both a law degree and an MBA, and brings a record of success both on and off the field during his 11 years as AD at Colgate, a member of the Division I Patriot League.

Colgate's football program went from 0-11 in 1995 to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, and the men's basketball team has twice advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Also, the Colgate women's soccer team has captured eight Patriot League championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances, while the women's volleyball team has been to the NCAA tournament twice. In addition, the softball and men's ice hockey teams also made appearances in the NCAA tournament.

"I'm very much looking forward to joining Northwestern," Murphy said. "I view this as a tremendous opportunity professionally. The combination of outstanding athletics with academics at the highest level, which is somewhat unique in college athletics, is both exciting and challenging."

Murphy succeeds Charles F. (Rick) Taylor, who will retire Aug. 31 after 10 years at Northwestern.

"I view my new role as being an advocate for getting (coaches) what they need to be successful," Murphy said. "I think, generally, I believe in giving coaches free rein in the sense of handling their teams. I'm not going to call in the football coach and say, 'Why did you use cover-two in that situation? You should've blitzed.' Those are coaches' decisions."