Thursday, May 31, 2001

Murphy to
choose between
UH and ASU

The Sun Devils coach confirms
that he has received an offer from
Hawaii; he plans to make a decision soon

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By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

Pat Murphy wants the people of Hawaii to understand he is not shopping around for a head coaching job.

He will be the head baseball coach next year either at Arizona State or the University of Hawaii.

"I have no interest in any other job," Murphy told the Star-Bulletin yesterday. "My dream job is Hawaii. It has been ever since I was at Notre Dame."

Hawaii has been searching for a new head coach ever since Les Murakami announced in May 2000 that the 2001 season would be his last.

Murphy's primary concern now is closing out the 2001 ASU season, the fourth year in the past five the Sun Devils have gone to the NCAA tournament.

"As you know, at the end of the season, the most important issue for a coach is to make sure his student athletes are taken care of. That's critical," Murphy said. "We held a pro tryout camp yesterday for players who are draft eligible."

Murphy confirmed he has received an offer from Hawaii and knows he will have to act on it shortly.

"I'm not going to deal with it at this second, but I have to deal with it soon. Hawaii has been very generous in considering my situation here," Murphy said.

"My wife is in Mexico for four days and we'll make a decision when she gets back. The decision will not be based on finances.

"As you know, college baseball coaches' contracts are not simple. There are equipment deals involved. There are things to work out.

"I can't replace Les. I can't be like Les. I just hope I can add to the program.

"I owe it to Hawaii to deal with this as quick as possible, but right now my key is to take care of our student athletes."

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http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu