Fran Dunphy Named Acting Director of Athletics at Temple

June 17, 2020 –

Fran Dunphy was named the acting Director of Athletics at Temple University effective July 1. President Richard M. Englert made the announcement today.

Dunphy has been a major part of Temple University and Philadelphia basketball over the years. He has served the school as the men’s basketball coach, as a co-teacher for the Management, Theory & Practice From the Locker Room to the Board Room, and the Philadelphia community. With Patrick Kraft leaving to take the AD position at Boston College, the school was looking for a replacement. Dunphy was a logical choice.

“He has been a leader at Temple, in Philadelphia and in the nation for decades,” said Englert. “From the court to the classroom, to his advocacy and philanthropic efforts, Fran has time and again proven his dedication to our university and our city, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make as acting director of athletics.”

As Dunphy pondered his decision in an unsettled environment, his instinct to serve guided him along.

“Temple called, Dick Englert called, and asked me if I would take on this role,” Dunphy said. “I said I’m happy to serve in any way. When Temple calls and asks, my tendency is to say yes.”

Dunphy is the all-time winningest coach at the school being on the bench for 13 seasons. Dunphy retired after the 2018-19 season. He also has the most wins in Philadelphia Big Five history. Under Dunphy the Owls recorded 10 postseason appearances, 8 in the NCAA Tournament. He posted 270 wins for a .625 winning percentage. Aaron McKie took over the program, and was excited that Dunphy took this opportunity.

“Fran Dunphy is a pillar in the community and a Philadelphia icon,” McKie said. “He has served as a head coach for 30 years, including 13 at Temple, worked as a special assistant to President Englert the past year. He is a man of impeccable character, and when asked to serve as acting athletic director in tumultuous times in intercollegiate athletics he never hesitated to answer the call. We are fortunate to have him step in and lead our department through this critical period.”

They will work together again.

Prior to coming to Temple in 2006 Dunphy was the head coach at Penn for 17 seasons. From 1992-96 the Quakers had 48 consecutive Ivy League victories and 4 league championships.

Dunphy has a deep belief in academic excellence. The men’s basketball team was recognized by the NCAA Division I Academic Performance Program (APP) Public Recognition for three consecutive years under Dunphy and continued that streak this past season.

He has served the community and the country especially in the Coaches vs. Cancer program by the American Cancer Society. Dunphy also supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters locally.

The awards are numerous from the school and the city. In May 2019 Temple was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

“There is no better choice to lead Temple Athletics than Fran Dunphy,” said John Chaney the men’s coach from 1982-2006. “His leadership and his calm demeanor is just what the University needs at this critical time. There is no better person than Fran.”

Written By: Glenn Papazian

Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com

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