Joel Murphy
Maranatha Head Football Coach Joel Murphy has decided to step down from his position.
Why? With a load of talent returning Murphy’s departure is hardly a case of the cupboard being bare.
“We’ve been successful but in my position as the Director of Student Ministries,” said Murphy. “I realize I have one of the largest youth groups in the San Gabriel Valley, over 600 students. And when I was adding the hours and hours (7:AM to 7:PM days) I realized I wasn’t being effective in either.”
Hard to give up?
“I’m at peace about it,” he said. “My wife is good with it and I’m excited. I want to provide a community in which these kids can grow and achieve what I envision for this student ministry program. The football program will continue and do very well.”
Murphy will be in studio on “The Mid Valley Sports Show” Tuesday, January 18th.
Below is the release issued by the school, followed by a note from Joel Murphy.
From Maranatha Athletic Director, Brian DeHaan:
With over 13 years of service at Maranatha High School and fulfilling a number of coaching responsibilities in the football program, Joel Murphy has decided to step down as Head Varsity Football Coach. Coach Murphy steps aside with a 47-16 record over his 5 seasons as head coach and led his teams to the playoffs each of those years reaching at least the quarterfinals (2006 CIF finalist, 2007 Quarterfinalist, 2008 Semifinalist, 2009 Quarterfinalist, 2010 Quarterfinalist). We are immensely grateful for Coach Murphy and the great distance he has brought the Maranatha football program. Joel has infused tremendous pride in the Maranatha football program and reinvigorated our student-athletes. Coach Murphy has instilled the belief that Maranatha student athletes can be successful through hard work and dedication in any area of their life. Joel will remain at Maranatha High School but will focus on his responsibilities as Director of Student Ministries. We would like to thank the Murphy family for their dedication to the Maranatha community over the many years and we are excited for what the future holds for them. We fully trust that the Lord has great plans for Joel and will continue to use him to impact the lives of countless young people both here at Maranatha and beyond.
Maranatha will begin searching for their next Head Football Coach immediately. Interested candidates should contact Athletic Director, Brian DeHaan, at b_dehaan@mhs-hs.org.
From Joel Murphy:
Over the last five years I have had the honor and privilege to be the head football coach here at MHS. Having been a part of the Maranatha football program for 13 years, being the head coach for the past five years was a dream. I literally watched the program rise from the ashes of not being able to field a varsity team to one who now sends multiple athletes to Division 1 programs. These seasons will forever be a highlight of my life. Yet, I step humbly into another season of life as I have officially stepped down as the head football coach.
In my new position as Director of Student Ministries I have a desire and passion stirring within to create a climate of authentic community and true spiritual growth here at MHS. I long to be obedient to the position He has placed me and know that to create a program of such high caliber, the additional 30+ hours a week for football make it impossible.
I can’t thank each of you enough for the support you’ve given me and this program. I’m confident that God has amazing things in store and am excited to see the person he brings in to run the program. Please pray for this season of transition for me, my family, and the entire football community.
Leave a Reply