Bill Murray (1997) - Hall of Fame - University of Delaware Athletics

Bill Murray

Induction:
1997

WILLIAM D. "BILL" MURRAY
(1909-1986)
Head Football Coach (1940-50)
Head Men's Basketball Coach (1944-45)
Director of Athletics (1940-50)

The man responsible for building the University of Delaware into a small college national football power in the 1940s, Murray posted a nine-year record of 49-16-2 and led the Blue Hens to their first national title in 1946 with a 10-0 record.

He led Delaware to a school record 32-game unbeaten streak in 1940-47 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. He served as executive director of the AFCA in 1966.

A triple-threat star halfback at Duke University in the 1920's, he came to Delaware in 1940 and immediately made a name nationally for the Blue Hens on the gridiron.

Over eight seasons from 1940 until 1950 (no teams in 1943-45 due to World War II), Murray's teams won 49 games, recorded seven winning seasons, and captured the Associated Press Small College National title in 1946 with a 10-0 record that included a win over Rollins College in the Cigar Bowl in Tampa, Fla.

Murray's teams went a still-standing 32 games without a loss between 1941-47, posting marks of 7-0-1 in 1941, 8-0 in 1942, 10-0 in 1946, and 4-4 in 1947.

In addition to his coaching commitment, he was also athletic director in his 11 years at the University and served one season as men's basketball head coach.

Murray, who left Delaware after the 1950 season and enjoyed an outstanding career as head coach at Duke University, was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in and the Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame in 1983.

Murray held several positions in the American Football Coaches Association, including that of Executive Director, served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hall of Fame and, in 1971, was given the supreme compliment from his fellow coaches when they presented him with the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award for service to the game.