Fran Dunphy

Francis Joseph Dunphy (born October 5, 1948) is an American former college basketball coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Pennsylvania for 17 seasons, Temple University for 13 seasons, and La Salle University for three seasons. Originally starting at Penn in 1989, Dunphy led the school to ten Ivy League championships. He was hired at Temple to succeed John Chaney in 2006, spending 13 seasons with the program and making eight NCAA tournament appearances. After a brief stint as Temple's interim athletic director, in 2022, Dunphy was named head coach of the La Salle Explorers, his alma mater, where he coached for three seasons until his retirement in 2025.

Nicknamed "Mr. Big 5", Dunphy holds the record for the most career wins (625) by a coach in Philadelphia Big 5 history and has coached three of the six member schools in the city series. He is considered one of the greatest head coaches in Ivy League history, with his 317 wins and ten conference titles with Penn, second only to former Princeton head coach Pete Carril.

Education Dunphy attended St. Dorothy's grade school in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and then went on to attend Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, Pennsylvania. He graduated from La Salle University in 1970 with a degree in marketing. In 1979, he earned a master's degree in counseling and human relations from Villanova University. In addition, he completed his coursework toward his doctorate in counseling and student development at American University.

Playing career

College Dunphy played college basketball at La Salle from 1967–1970. While at La Salle, he played under head coach Tom Gola. As a junior, he helped the Explorers to a 23–1 record and a number 2 finish in the final AP Poll. He served as a co-captain his senior year when he averaged 18.6 ppg and led the team in assists, while also being named the MVP of the annual Quaker City Basketball Tournament. Dunphy scored 24 points in the championship game against Columbia.

Professional Dunphy played for the Cherry Hill Rookies of the Eastern Basketball Association from 1973 to 1975. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23 games played.

Dunphy was named interim athletic director of Temple University, effective July 1, 2020. He replaced Pat Kraft, who left to take the position at Boston College. Dunphy was replaced in this position by Arthur Johnson.

La Salle On April 5, 2022, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the La Salle would hire Dunphy to be the Explorers' next men's basketball coach. With his hiring, Dunphy returned to coach at his alma mater and became the first coach to lead three different Big 5 programs. He replaced Ashley Howard in this position.

On November 26, 2023, Dunphy won his 600th career game, an 81–62 win over Coppin State.

On February 20, 2025, Dunphy announced he would retire from coaching at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season and become a special assistant to the president at La Salle.

On February 26, 2025, Dunphy coached his 1,000th career game, a 62–67 defeat to Duquesne. Dunphy was honored in a pregame ceremony.

On March 8th, 2025, Dunphy coached the final regular season home game of his career, an 81–74 win over Saint Joseph's. Prior to the game Dunphy was honored by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro presented Dunphy with a proclamation deeming March 8th Fran Dunphy day at John Glaser Arena in front of a sold-out crowd.

Personal Dunphy and his wife, Ree, reside in Villanova, Pennsylvania with their son, J.P. Dunphy.

Head coaching record

Coaching tree Assistant coaches under Dunphy who became NCAA or NBA head coaches Matt Langel - Colgate (2011–present) Aaron McKie - Temple (2019–2023) Dwayne Killings - Albany (2021–present) Steve Donahue - Cornell (2000–2010), Boston College (2010–2014), Penn (2015–2025), Saint Joseph's (2025–present)