Rob Murphy
CEO and President in Detroit, Michigan
Rob Murphy is an American basketball coach and executive. He previously served as the Assistant General Manager for the Detroit Pistons and President and General Manager of the Motor City Cruise, the G League affiliate of the Pistons. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Murphy attended Mumford High School, where he was a standout athlete in both football and basketball.
Murphy graduated from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where he played basketball and earned his degree in Secondary Education. He began his coaching career in the Detroit Public Schools system, notably leading Crockett Technical High School to a Class B State Championship in 2001. His success at the high school level led to positions in college basketball, first as an assistant coach at Kent State University from 2002 to 2004, where he was part of a staff that secured two Mid-American Conference East Division titles.
In 2004, Murphy joined Jim Boeheim’s staff at Syracuse University, contributing to several successful seasons, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances. In April 2011, Murphy was appointed head coach of the men’s basketball team at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). During his tenure at EMU, he revitalized the program, leading the Eagles to their first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Title and being named MAC Coach of the Year in 2012.
In March 2021, Murphy transitioned to sports management, taking on the role of President and General Manager of the Motor City Cruise. His work involves overseeing all aspects of the team's operations, blending his coaching experience with business management to develop young talent and engage with the community.
Throughout his career, Murphy has been known for his commitment to the development of young athletes and his involvement in community service, particularly through the Rob Murphy Foundation, which he founded to support youth in underserved areas. His autobiography, "Deep: The Life of Rob Murphy," details his journey from a challenging upbringing in Detroit to his success in basketball coaching and management.