Boston College basketball is turning a new page this March, and the man at the center of the story is none other than Luke Murray, son of Hollywood legend Bill Murray. The 40-year-old coach, whose basketball pedigree has recently shone brightest with the UConn Huskies, was officially named the new head coach of Boston College’s men’s basketball team on Thursday, March 26, 2026, replacing Earl Grant after his firing earlier this month. The move signals a bold new direction for the Eagles, and it’s got both the college basketball world and pop culture fans buzzing.
Luke Murray’s journey to the helm of Boston College is one built on hard work, basketball savvy, and a family legacy that’s as unique as it is inspiring. While his father, Bill Murray, is known for iconic roles in films like Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, Luke has quietly established himself as a force in the world of college hoops. Over the past five seasons, he’s served as a key assistant coach with the UConn Huskies, helping to guide the team to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. Talk about a résumé builder!
But for those who have followed Luke’s career, his ascent to a head coaching position has felt like only a matter of time. According to Boston College athletic director Blake James, "In Luke Murray, we have found a leader who does not just understand the modern landscape of college basketball — he has helped define it. His role in building a national championship caliber program, his sophisticated offensive vision, and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him the perfect fit to lead our student-athletes. We are thrilled to welcome Luke, his wife, Kara, and their family to the BC community."
Luke himself didn’t hold back his excitement, stating, "I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to lead the Boston College Men’s Basketball program. Our team will play an unselfish, tough, and highly competitive brand of basketball." That blend of humility and competitive fire is something those close to the program say sets Murray apart from the pack.
Of course, the Murray family is no stranger to the spotlight, but Luke has always marched to the beat of his own drum. Born on April 1, 1985, to Bill Murray and Margaret Kelly, Luke grew up alongside his older brother Homer and four younger half-brothers—Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln—from his father’s second marriage to Jennifer Butler. The Murrays might be Hollywood royalty, but Luke’s path has been defined less by red carpets and more by hardwood courts and chalkboards.
Luke’s coaching journey began with stints as an assistant at several programs, but his time with UConn truly put him on the map. His fingerprints were all over the Huskies’ success, especially during their championship runs. Those who watched closely noticed his knack for sophisticated offensive schemes and his ability to relate to players—a combination that’s become increasingly valuable in the fast-evolving world of college basketball.
That modern approach is exactly what Boston College was seeking after parting ways with Earl Grant. The Eagles have struggled to regain their footing in the ultra-competitive ACC, but the hiring of Murray is being hailed as a potential turning point. Athletic director Blake James emphasized, "His sophisticated offensive vision has helped define the modern landscape of college basketball." With the program eager for a resurgence, the pressure is on, but so is the optimism.
Family support has been a cornerstone of Luke’s journey. Bill Murray has been a familiar face courtside throughout his son’s coaching career, whether at UConn games or during March Madness runs. The elder Murray’s pride is palpable—he’s cheered from the stands, poured drinks at family celebrations, and never shied away from expressing just how much his son’s achievements mean to him. "I’m very proud of this boy, he’s a wonderful kid and he’s worked very hard," Bill told reporters during the Huskies’ championship run.
Luke’s own family is growing as well. He married Kara Cassidy in 2015, and together they have three children. While his coaching career has kept him on the move, Luke has managed to keep his personal life relatively private, a trait he shares with several of his siblings. His brother Homer, for example, is a chef and restaurateur in New York City, known for the acclaimed 21 Greenpoint. The Murray siblings, though raised in the glow of their father’s fame, have each carved out their own distinct paths.
It’s not all basketball in the Murray household, though. Bill Murray has often shared anecdotes about his sons’ influence on his life. He once recounted how his younger boys introduced him to Adele’s music, describing a moment when all three were singing along in the back seat of the car. "I became a fan when I was driving my sons to school," he told Esquire. "I had Adele on, and I look in the rearview mirror and all three of my sons are in the back singing. And I’m thinking, 'What the hell touched these guys?' So I started singing it myself after I dropped them off."
Luke, for his part, has always been candid about the differences between himself and his famous dad. In a 2017 interview with USA Today Sports, he quipped, "I think that’s pretty clear early on. We’re different people, and I think [Murray] probably likes it that way." He even joked about having "better fashion sense" than his father, who once showed up to his games in Ugg boots, purple shorts, and a fur vest. But at the end of the day, it’s clear that mutual respect and support run deep.
With the 2026-27 college basketball season looming, all eyes are now on Chestnut Hill. Can Luke Murray bring the Eagles back to prominence? Will his modern offensive strategies and championship pedigree translate to ACC success? The answers will come in time, but for now, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.
As the Boston College community welcomes its new head coach, the Murray family’s story adds another compelling chapter. The blend of Hollywood charm and basketball grit makes for a narrative that’s hard to resist. For Luke Murray, the journey is just beginning—and the entire college basketball world will be watching to see what happens next.