PHILADELPHIA — Fran Dunphy, the distinguished head coach of La Salle, announced on Thursday his decision to retire at the conclusion of the current season. Over his impressive 33-year coaching career at three prominent institutions in Philadelphia’s Big 5, Dunphy has achieved more than 600 victories and led teams to the NCAA Tournament 17 times.
At 76 years old, Dunphy will transition into a role as special assistant to the president at La Salle. In recognition of his contributions, a tribute will take place during the Explorers’ matchup against Duquesne on February 26. Dunphy’s deep roots in Philadelphia basketball extend back to his days as a high school player and a young fan attending games at the historic Palestra.
He proudly served as co-captain under legendary coach Tom Gola at La Salle and later earned a master’s degree from Villanova. Revered in local circles, he has been nicknamed “Mr. Big 5,” and his total of 623 wins marks him as the most successful coach in the history of Philadelphia’s college basketball rivalry, which has been ongoing since 1955.
“I will always be grateful to La Salle and all the coaches and players who have been part of my journey,” Dunphy expressed. “As I look forward to concluding this season with our team, I am excited about starting this new chapter of my life while remaining at La Salle, working alongside President Allen and athletic director Ash Puri at this wonderful university I hold dear.”
Dunphy began his head coaching career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he recorded 310 wins, clinched 10 Ivy League championships, and participated in nine NCAA tournaments from 1989 to 2006. Among his notable achievements, he led the Quakers to an impressive 48-game winning streak in league play from 1992 to 1996, and his 1993-94 squad finished with a remarkable 25-3 record, reaching as high as No. 24 in the national rankings before making an NCAA tournament appearance.
During his tenure at Temple, Dunphy amassed 270 victories and secured six conference championships while making eight trips to the NCAA tournament over thirteen years.
After a brief hiatus from coaching lasting three seasons, he returned to La Salle, his alma mater, in 2022. However, his first two seasons saw the Explorers struggle with losing records. This current season finds the team at 12 wins and 15 losses, ranked 14th in the 15-team Atlantic 10 with a conference record of 4-10.
Dunphy’s excellence in the sport has earned him multiple honors, including induction into the Philadelphia Big 5, La Salle Athletics, Penn Athletics, and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Halls of Fame.
“Fran’s influence on college basketball and the Atlantic 10 is vast, with a remarkable over 600 wins, including nearly 200 victories at an A-10 institution,” stated Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “His professionalism and leadership will resonate with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators for many years to come.”
