News Summary
Florida State University has appointed Ryan Murphy as the new men’s distance coach and Director of Operations for track and field. With a proven record at the University of Arkansas, Murphy’s coaching highlights include multiple All-American honors and conference titles, which contribute to FSU’s ambitions for excellence in collegiate athletics.
Tallahassee – Florida State University Announces New Men’s Distance Coach
Florida State University (FSU) has officially appointed Ryan Murphy as the new men’s distance coach and Director of Operations for the track and field as well as cross country programs for the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes from Matt Kane, the director of track and field and cross country at FSU, who expressed confidence in Murphy’s abilities to enhance the program.
Murphy arrives at FSU with a strong track record, having previously led athletes to a total of seven All-American honors and six individual conference titles during his tenure at the University of Arkansas. His coaching efforts have also contributed to five team championships and played a significant role in establishing three school indoor records.
With a solid foundation in high-level competition, Murphy has a wealth of experience from his time at Arkansas, where he was guided by notable coach Bucknam. His involvement in multiple Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships and participation with NCAA top 10 teams has equipped him with the expertise needed to develop effective training regimens tailored for collegiate distance runners.
Murphy’s impact on the Arkansas track team is evident in the success of athletes he coached, notably Reuben Reina. Under Murphy’s guidance, Reina not only set a program record in the indoor mile with a time of 3:53 but also earned the title of Indoor Mile Champion, making two appearances at the NCAA National Championships. Similarly, Patrick Kiprop became a noteworthy competitor, securing the title of five-time SEC Champion and All-American, establishing a program record in the men’s 5,000 meters, and achieving All-American honors during the cross country season.
In addition, Ben Shearer, who was mentored by Murphy, excelled as a seven-time SEC medalist and a two-time All-American in the Distance Medley Relay, finishing second in the 5,000 at the 2025 SEC Conference Championship. Murphy’s ability to cultivate talent and lead them to impressive accomplishments highlights his qualifications for overseeing the men’s distance group at FSU.
As a former student-athlete himself, Murphy competed for the Razorbacks from 2017 to 2023, where he earned 11 SEC titles spanning cross country, indoor, and outdoor track events. He was instrumental in helping the Razorbacks clinch the national championship at the 2023 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. This background not only enhances his understanding of athletes’ needs but also provides him with invaluable experience that he can draw upon in his coaching career.
Kane commended Murphy as a promising young coach with connections to elite distance programs, encouraging optimism for the future development of FSU’s track and field team as they continue to aspire for excellence. Fans interested in following updates about the Florida State track and field program can find them on social media platforms Twitter (@FSU_Track) and Instagram (@FSU_Track).
As FSU prepares for the upcoming track and field season, Ryan Murphy’s introduction is viewed as a pivotal moment aimed at advancing the men’s distance group and the overall performance of the Seminoles’ track and field and cross country programs. His hiring is considered a strategic move that may propel Florida State into even greater success in collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- UNF Ospreys
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- FAU Sports
- Google Search: Florida State University Track and Field
- Ramblin Wreck
- Google Scholar: Ryan Murphy Track Coach
- Florida Gators
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Distance Running
- Belmont Bruins
- Google News: NCAA Cross Country Regionals
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