Keith Murphy

Biography

Keith Murphy enters his seventh season as special teams coordinator at Central Michigan and his second under head Coach Matt Drinkall. Murphy originally joined Central Michigan as a part of Jim McElwain’s staff. Murphy’s career includes being a finalist for Football Scoop National Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2022, when the Chippewas led the nation with seven blocked kicks. Over 29 years, he has coached at the NFL, FBS, and FCS levels, mentoring multiple All-Pro, All-American, and all-conference performers. In 2025, Murphy’s special teams units helped guide the Chippewas to their first bowl appearance in four years, finishing 7-6 overall and 5-3 in the MAC, their highest win count since 2021. Placekicker Cade Graham earned Third Team All-MAC honors after leading the Chippewas with 77 points, hitting 14 of 17 field goals (nine consecutive), and converting all 35 of his point after attempts. Long snapper Ben Pratt earned All-MAC honors twice, and punter Declan Duley averaged 41.1 yards per punt. In 2024, Murphy’s featured All-MAC placekicker Tristan Mattson, who led the conference in field goal percentage (89 percent, 16 of 18). Mattson secured three MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and kicked a game-winning 47-yarder against San Diego State. All-MAC punt returner Donte Kent led the conference in punt return average (13.6 yards) with a return touchdown. Murphy’s coverage units finished No. 2 in the MAC and No. 25 nationally for kickoff return defense. In

Career Path