Indiana Courts Football Coach

Playoffs or not, the Harvard football team may be on the verge of avoiding a major postseason defeat.

Crimson coach Tim Murphy, architect of two undefeated campaigns in four years, confirmed yesterday that he will likely patrol the Harvard sidelines again next season, contrary to published reports that list him among the frontrunners to take the reins of Indiana University’s program.

“The bottom line is that I’m very happy here,” Murphy told The Crimson from Texas, where he is recruiting. “You never say never in this business. You owe it to your family to listen to what people have to say. But I certainly expect to be the Harvard football coach next year.”

The Hoosiers, Indiana’s team, have been without a head man since Dec. 1, when Gerry DiNardo was dismissed three seasons into his five-year contract. During his tenure, Indiana won just eight of its 35 games, turning in three consecutive 1-7 showings in the Big 10.

“We’re looking for a visionary, a great recruiter,” Indiana University Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan said after announcing DiNardo’s termination. “We want a solid educator, someone with the ability to evaluate and develop young men.”

Shortly thereafter, Greenspan sought permission to contact Murphy from Harvard Director of Athletics Robert L. Scalise, who granted the request.

Murphy, who has been forced to hone his recruiting skills as a result of the Ivy League’s high admissions standards and ban on athletic scholarships, has a history of resuscitating lackluster programs. Prior to overseeing the Crimson’s late-’90s resurgence, he transformed Cincinnati from a 1-9-1 laughingstock into an 8-3 bowl contender four years later.

Those credentials have drawn attention from schools at both the Division I-A and I-AA levels.

Following his team’s first perfect season in 2001, Murphy declined head coaching positions at both the United States Naval Academy and the University of Delaware. His name was also reportedly on the short list of candidates to replace Steve Spurrier at the University of Florida, though Murphy, who arrived at Harvard in 1994, sheepishly contends “that list was a lot longer than you think.”

“He really loves what he does, the type of kids that he coaches,” captain Ryan J. Fitzpatrick ’05 said prior to The Game, which capped off the Crimson’s first 10-0 season since 1901. “So it would take a real big-time offer to get him out of here, you know, something that he couldn’t pass up...I see him sticking around for awhile.”

Yesterday’s edition of the Boston Globe, citing sources close to Indiana’s search committee, appeared to contradict that prediction, singling out Murphy and Kansas State defensive coordinator Bob Elliot as the two favorites for the vacant head coaching position.

Greenspan and Scalise both declined comment, but Murphy, who called his post a “lifetime job” in November, denied that he was actively seeking a change of venue.

“I haven’t pursued anything,” said Murphy, who has the fourth most wins in Harvard history. “I was contacted and met with the athletic director, but I’ll leave it at that.”

Working under the assumption that he will be returning to Cambridge, Murphy and his staff have spent the week focusing on recruiting, with 20 prospects due to arrive on campus this weekend.

Privately, Murphy has assured his coaching staff that he will likely return to defend his third Ivy title.

“That’s what I expect as well,” defensive coordinator Kevin Doherty said, “unless you know something I don’t.”

The Globe’s report and word of Murphy’s potential departure still hadn’t reached several players asked for comment yesterday afternoon.

“This is news to me,” wide receiver Corey G. Mazza ’07 said. “I think it’s pretty surprising. This is a pretty great place with pretty good job security. I think it’s hard to find a better group of guys.”

Greenspan is expected to suggest two or three finalists to Indiana’s president in the next couple of days, and the school will likely announce its decision in the upcoming week.

—Staff writer Lisa J. Kennelly can be reached at kennell@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.