Rob Murphy of Detroit is a former basketball coach and current non-profit leader known for his deep commitment to youth development and community empowerment. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Murphy’s early life in a challenging urban environment shaped his future endeavors in basketball and beyond.
Murphy’s basketball career began at Mumford High School in Detroit, where he distinguished himself as a skilled player. He continued his athletic journey at Central State University in Ohio, earning a bachelor’s degree while playing basketball. His college years not only honed his skills on the court but also deepened his understanding of teamwork and leadership, traits that would define his coaching style.
After college, Murphy returned to Detroit and began his coaching career in the Detroit Public Schools system, quickly making a mark with his ability to turn around basketball programs. His coaching tenure at Crockett Technical High School was particularly notable, where he led the team to a Class B State Championship in 2001. This early success underscored his knack for developing young talent and his potential as a transformative coach.
Murphy’s coaching career progressed as he moved into collegiate basketball, serving as an assistant coach at Kent State University and then at Syracuse University under the legendary Jim Boeheim. His time at Syracuse was marked by significant contributions to the program’s success, helping to secure multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
In 2011, Murphy took on the role of head coach at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where he led the men’s basketball team to new heights. Under his leadership, EMU captured its first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Title and saw Murphy honored as the MAC Coach of the Year in 2012. His tenure at EMU was distinguished by his focus on academic as well as athletic success, with high graduation rates among his players.
Transitioning from coaching, Murphy took on a leadership role as the President and General Manager of the Motor City Cruise, the G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. In this capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of the team’s operations, blending his sports expertise with executive management skills.
Beyond the court, Murphy’s most enduring contribution may be his establishment of the Rob Murphy Foundation in 2014. The foundation reflects his lifelong commitment to giving back to the community that raised him. Focused on empowering underserved youth in Detroit, the foundation provides educational programs, athletic training, and scholarship opportunities, all designed to foster resilience and success among young people.
Rob Murphy’s career is a testament to the power of sports as a vehicle for positive change, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to developing potential both on and off the basketball court.
What motivates you when things get tough?
When things get tough, what motivates me is remembering where I came from—Detroit. Growing up in a city known for its resilience, I learned early on that adversity is just a part of life’s process. My motivation comes from a deep desire to make a positive impact, not just in my life but in the lives of others around me, especially the youth in Detroit. I think about the struggles and challenges we faced, and how overcoming them not only made me stronger but also more determined to succeed. Each challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate that no matter your circumstances, persistence and hard work can lead to success. This mindset has been crucial in both my coaching career and my work with the Rob Murphy Foundation.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your job.
Surprisingly Easy:
Building Relationships: Growing up in Detroit and working in basketball for years, I’ve learned the value of genuine connections. Building relationships with players, staff, and community members comes naturally to me.
Identifying Talent: Having scouted and coached at various levels, I have a keen eye for spotting potential in young athletes. This part of my job feels more like a passion than work.
Motivating Others: My own journey instilled a natural drive to inspire others. Sharing my experiences and seeing others get motivated to reach their potential is incredibly rewarding.
Surprisingly Difficult:
Fundraising: While essential, raising funds for the foundation or sports programs can be challenging. It requires constant effort and creativity.
Balancing Priorities: Managing time between coaching, administrative duties, and foundation work requires careful planning and can sometimes be overwhelming.
Handling Losses: Whether it’s a game or a setback in a community project, dealing with losses never gets easier. Each loss requires taking a step back, evaluating, and coming back stronger.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
The three things I love most about my work are mentorship, community impact, and the constant challenge. Being able to mentor young athletes and staff members is incredibly fulfilling; it allows me to give back in a way that I wish had been available to me. The impact on the community, especially through the foundation, is profoundly rewarding—knowing that we are making a real difference in the lives of Detroit’s youth keeps me driven. Lastly, the challenges of my job keep me sharp and engaged. Every day presents new opportunities to learn and grow, and this dynamic environment is what I thrive in. It’s a privilege to combine my passion for basketball with my commitment to community service.
What are the three things you need in work to achieve purpose? Why are they important to you?
To achieve purpose in my work, I need community engagement, continuous improvement, and integrity. Community engagement is vital because my work is all about giving back to the place that shaped me. By staying connected to the community, I ensure that my efforts are impactful and relevant. Continuous improvement is crucial because the world of sports and community needs is always evolving, and staying ahead requires constant learning and adaptation. Integrity underpins everything; maintaining honest and ethical standards is non-negotiable, as it builds trust and respect in all my professional and personal interactions. These elements are foundational for achieving lasting impact and true success.
Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.
A surprising outcome that stands out in my career happened early in my tenure at Eastern Michigan when we won the MAC West Title. We were predicted to finish last that season, and the odds were stacked against us. Seeing the team come together, defy expectations, and clinch the title was a reminder of what resilience and teamwork can achieve. Handling it involved maintaining our focus and not getting swept up in the hype. I learned the importance of preparation and belief in one’s team, lessons that I carry with me in all aspects of my work.
Have you considered buying a business? Tell us about that experience.
Yes, I have considered buying a business, particularly one related to sports training and development. Exploring this idea, I hired a team to do some market research, understanding the financial implications, and assessing the potential for community impact. The process taught me about the complexities of business ownership, from operational management to strategic planning. Although I haven’t proceeded with a purchase yet, the experience sharpened my entrepreneurial skills and broadened my understanding of business as a vehicle for community development. It’s an area I might revisit as I continue to look for ways to expand the positive impact of my work.
What do you value most and why?
What I value most is resilience. Growing up in Detroit, facing challenges was part of daily life. Resilience is what kept me moving forward, it’s what helped me overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. This value has shaped my coaching style and my approach to community work. It’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about growing from each experience, about pushing past limits to achieve something greater. That’s why I emphasize this trait in both my personal life and in my foundation’s mission—to show that with resilience, anything is possible.
How do you celebrate your victories?
Celebrating victories is all about sharing those moments with the team, my family, and the community. Whether it’s a win on the basketball court or a successful event through the foundation, I believe in acknowledging everyone’s hard work. We usually gather for a team meal, where we can relax and enjoy each other’s company. I also make it a point to reflect on what these achievements mean for us collectively and how each victory can be a stepping stone to further success. It’s about appreciating the moment but also gearing up for the next challenge.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s a story about following your dreams by listening to your heart and learning from the world around you. This book resonates with me because it mirrors the journey many of us take in life, especially those from places like Detroit, where every dream seems both incredibly distant and deeply personal. It teaches the importance of perseverance and how to find true fulfillment in pursuing your passions. Each time I read it, I find new insights and motivations that help guide my decisions and my work.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d say, “Trust the process and don’t rush.” When I was younger, I was always in a hurry to reach the next goal, to move onto the next challenge. I’d tell myself to take more time to appreciate each step of the journey, to learn thoroughly from each experience without being anxious about the future. Understanding that growth takes time and that each phase of life offers unique lessons would have helped me make even more informed decisions and perhaps eased some unnecessary stress.
Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?
I have two mentors that helped shape my adult life. Troy Weaver and Jim Boeheim both have been significant mentors in my life. Their guidance extended beyond basketball tactics; they taught me about the importance of integrity, preparation, and the impact of truly believing in your players. Troy’s ideology on basketball overall helped me view the game in a different realm than the norm. Jim’s trust in my abilities and his constant support helped me grow as a coach and both men helped me grow as a person. Jim always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and using our positions to make a positive impact—lessons that have deeply influenced how I approach my role in the foundation today.
Just for fun, what is your favorite food?
My favorite food has to be Detroit-style pizza. There’s something about the thick crust, the edge-to-edge cheese, and those crispy corners that always brings me back home no matter where I am. Sharing a square pizza with friends and family after a game or during a community event is one of those simple pleasures that makes any gathering a little more special. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the memories and the comfort that comes with each bite, reminding me of where I started and the community I serve.