La Salle coach Fran Dunphy will depart as the winningest coach in the history of Philadelphia’s Big 5 from La Salle, and his wife, Ree, proudly celebrates his accomplishments.
Fran’s contributions to the university and the Philadelphia basketball community have been significant.
Highlights
- Fran is the winningest coach in Philadelphia’s Big 5’s history, with over 600 career wins and 17 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- After retiring at the end of the 2024-25 season, Dunphy will support La Salle as a special assistant to the president.
- Fran’s continued dedication to La Salle over the years has significantly contributed to their basketball team’s success.
Fran has had a remarkable coaching career spanning over four decades, during which he entirely dedicated himself to his profession.
Beginning his coaching journey as an assistant at the United States Military Academy, he quickly made a name for himself.
His tenure at La Salle marked a pivotal moment in his career, setting the stage for his rise to prominence.
Furthermore, his dedication to the sport and ability to build successful programs at multiple institutions have made him legendary.
Dunphy has left a lasting legacy and will be remembered fondly by the La Salle basketball community and beyond.
Fran Is Married To Ree, And Together, They Are Proud Parents Of Their Son, J.P. Dunphy
Fran Dunphy is married to Ree Dunphy, and together, they are loving parents to their son, J.P. Dunphy, who is involved in the entertainment industry.
Throughout Fran’s coaching career, Ree has been a steadfast supporter of her husband’s and her kids’ dreams.
J.P. showed a passion for the stage from a young age, often singling and performing in his school shows.
Following his passion, J.P. has made a name for himself as a multitalented actor, singer, and dancer based in Philadelphia.
He has performed in various productions, including roles in the musicals Dogfight and Beauty and the Beast at the Media Theatre.
In addition to his primary job as an actor, J.P. is also an aftersales manager at BMW of Fort Washington.
He is married to Tudy Jurner Dunphy and is a father to three beautiful children, making Fran a proud grandfather.
Moreover, the Dunphy family is a close-knit unit, supporting each other and taking pride in their accomplishments.
Fran Has Had A Historic Tenure At The La Salle University
Fran Dunphy announced his retirement as a La Salle men’s basketball coach after the 2024-25 season.
He will leave as the winningest coach in the Big 5’s history, with over 600 career wins and 17 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Additionally, La Salle will honor Dunphy as part of the Explorer’s game against Duquesne on February 26.
In a public statement released by La Salle president, Dr. Daniel J. Allen extended his gratitude to Dunphy, saying:
On behalf of La Salle and the entire Philadelphia basketball community, we are thankful for Fran Dunphy‘s incredible service, dedication, and integrity on and off the court.
Dr. Daniel J. Allen
He is the only coach to oversee multiple Big 5 men’s programs and has previously served as head coach at Penn and Temple.
Legendary La Salle head coach Fran Dunphy will retire from his position at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
— La Salle Athletics (@GoExplorers) February 20, 2025
📰: https://t.co/F4agPhHM8a pic.twitter.com/pOFkLuaIpL
At Temple, he led the Owls to three Atlantic 10 tournament championships and two Atlantic 10 regular-season titles.
Additionally, he guided Temple to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, setting a record for their most successful term.
Dunphy was announced as La Salle’s 20th head coach in 2022, following his coaching stint at Temple.
In his first season, he led the Explorers to the Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2015.
He helped them win two tournament games for the first time since 2002 and oversaw an Explorer squad that won 15 games for the second time in four seasons.
Last season, Dunphy’s Explorers added another Atlantic 10 Tournament win before starting this year 6-0 at the newly renovated John E. Glaser Arena and advancing to the Big 5 Championship game.
After his historic achievements as head coach, Dunphy is retiring but will continue as a special assistant to La Salle.
In his new role, Dunphy will continue to work with La Salle University to build on its recent success.
Additional Information
- Fran played for the Cherry Hill Rookies of the Eastern Basketball Association from 1973 to 1975.
- He also played for the La Salle Explorers from 1967 to 1970, where he was a co-captain under legendary coach Tom Gola.
- Dunphy earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from La Salle University and a Master’s degree in Education from Villanova University.
