PHILADELPHIA — Fran Dunphy, the esteemed coach of La Salle, announced on Thursday that he will retire at the conclusion of the current season. At 76 years of age, Dunphy boasts an impressive record of over 600 wins and has led teams to the NCAA Tournament 17 times across a 33-year coaching career spread over three of Philadelphia’s Big 5 schools.
Upon his retirement, Dunphy will take on the role of special assistant to the president at La Salle University. He is scheduled to be recognized during the Explorers’ game against Duquesne on February 26.
Deeply rooted in the Philadelphia basketball scene, Dunphy’s connection to the game began in his youth, playing basketball in local high schools and attending games at the iconic Palestra. A co-captain under the legendary Tom Gola at La Salle, he furthered his education by earning a master’s degree at Villanova.
Dunphy’s nickname, “Mr. Big 5,” reflects his significant achievements, accredited to his 623 wins—making him the most successful coach in the history of the association of Philadelphia schools known for competing for city supremacy since 1955.
Expressing his gratitude, Dunphy stated, “I will always be grateful to La Salle and all my fellow coaches and players who have been part of my journey as a coach. I look forward to finishing this season with strength and transitioning into the next chapter of my life. I couldn’t be more content to stay at La Salle, collaborating with President Allen and Athletic Director Ash Puri, at this wonderful university I call home.”
Beginning his head coaching career at Penn, Dunphy accumulated an impressive record of 310 wins along with securing 10 Ivy League titles and made appearances in nine NCAA tournaments between 1989 and 2006. He notably directed the Quakers to an impressive 48 consecutive Ivy League victories from 1992 to 1996, and his 1993-94 team achieved a remarkable 25-3 record, even reaching a national ranking of No. 24 while defeating Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Continuing his successful trajectory, Dunphy recorded 270 wins and led Temple to six regular-season or conference tournament championships alongside eight NCAA tournament appearances over a 13-year span.
After a three-season hiatus from coaching, Dunphy returned to his hometown institution, La Salle, in 2022. His first two seasons, unfortunately, resulted in losing records, and as of this year, the Explorers have a record of 12-15, placing them 14th among the 15 teams in the Atlantic 10 with a 4-10 conference record.
Recognized for his vast contributions, Dunphy is inducted into multiple prestigious halls of fame, including the Philadelphia Big 5, La Salle Athletics, Penn Athletics, and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Hall of Fame.
Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade praised Dunphy’s influence on college basketball, stating, “Fran’s impact within the Atlantic 10 and college basketball is immeasurable, with over 600 wins, including nearly 200 at an A-10 institution. He has served as a true ambassador for the sport, and the professionalism and leadership he has shown will resonate with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators for many years ahead.”
