Murray Accepts Broncos Head Coaching Position

July 25, 2011, 5:50 PM

Murray Accepts Broncos Head Coaching Position

Andy Strickland | TrueHockey.com | Archive | Contact

Jul 25

Multiple sources confirm former NHL Head Coach Andy Murray has accepted the Head Coaching position at Western Michigan University. I'm told Murray has signed a five-year contract to lead the Broncos.

Murray will be formally introduced at a noon eastern press conference on Tuesday which can be heard online at www.wmubroncos.com

Murray is replacing Jeff Blashill who recently left WMU to join Mike Babcock and the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach. Blashill had agreed to an extension through 2016 which would have paid him $275,000 per year.

The St. Louis Blues fired Murray on January first 2010, just a few months after being named a finalist for the Jack Adams trophy. In 2009 Murray led the Blues to their only playoff appearance since 2004.

Following the 2009 season the Blues rewarded Murray by picking up the option on his contract which paid him through the 2010-2011 season.

NHL veteran Jamal Mayers (Chi), an WMU alum will be attending the press confrence in Kalamazoo. Mayers is just one of a handful of Bronco players to reach the NHL along with Pat Dwyer (Carolina), Mark Letestu (Pitt), and Joe Corvo (Boston).

Both WMU assistants Rob Facca and Pat Ferschweiler are expected to remain on the coaching staff.

Murray also has a strong resume internationally as one of the most successful coaches in hockey Canada's rich history. The 60 year old Murray has led Canada to three IIHF World Championship gold medals in 1997, 2003, and 2007.

He spent most of last season consulting the Swiss National team.

More to come,

Andy Strickland

strickland.andy@gmail.com

Andy Strickland is based out of St. Louis and has more than 10 years of experience covering the NHL. He is also a full time radio personality in St. Louis and can frequently be heard and seen throughout the United States and Canada on radio and television. He can be contacted via Twitter (@AndyStrickland) or on the Ask Andy page.

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gobluenotes1 Said:

July 25, 2011 at 8:40 PM

I never really cared for Andy Murray. Good luck to him but Judas Priest he was too dry of a personality. When he gave an interview it was like watching paint dry. Kind of like Scott Linehan.

Speaking of coaches............how short of a leash is Davis Payne on? To me if he isn't in playoff position at the 1st of the year I won't be surprised to see a change. I give him the benefit of the doubt with the injuries last year but the Blues need to make the playoffs in a bad way especially with the new ownership (hopefully) and I don't see them jacking around if the team is faltering around the all star break. Heard it here first. Hopefully its not necessary but one has to think that Payne has too be feeling the heat to show results.

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Eggserino replied to gobluenotes1:

July 25, 2011 at 10:57 PM

I think this is a great move by Murray. Getting familiar with all the players that are one step from being benched or stuck in the minors when he's the future head coach of an NHL team. Maybe he'll see something that will allow him to bring young players more into the fold when he gets back into the NHL... far away from StL.

Definitely a defining year for Payne. It'll be interesting to see how he works with more egos in the room. Arguably more talent... flag this comment

BlueManGuru Said:

July 25, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Good choice by Murray. He's better at dealing with younger players in a different environment than professionally.

My friend up in K-Zoo is probably laughing and sickened that he'll be there. Great little town, can't beat Belle's brewery.

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carcus replied to BlueManGuru:

July 26, 2011 at 12:36 PM

Why would he be better at dealing with younger players that aren't professionals?

What does that even mean? flag this comment

Eggserino replied to BlueManGuru:

July 26, 2011 at 4:05 PM

He'd be better at dealing with younger players in a college environment because the competition level is different and the age group is pretty tight. He can focus on teaching players how to prepare for a shorter season and not have to worry about talking kids through the season grind. In fact, I think it fits his skill set better. Lots of people complement Murray's coaching skills in tournament play. flag this comment

BlueManGuru replied to BlueManGuru:

July 26, 2011 at 11:47 PM

Carcus I might have been on some powerful pain killers when I went off a bit, but I want to make it clear to you. I do not want to respond to anything you write and I DO NOT especially want you to respond to me. I'll just say it, I hate tea baggers and from discussions long ago I'd have to guess you'd be the type to defend and vote for Michelle Bachman. You strike as that kind of person. I can try my whole life to teach a wall one thing and all I'll do is end up a failure. That's what I have been doing whenever I have responded to you. It ends now.

Eggs that's exactly where I was going with it thanks bro. flag this comment

carcus replied to BlueManGuru:

July 27, 2011 at 8:24 AM

I hurt your feelings by simply asking you what you meant?

Dont respond to me. Fine. I am not going to loose any sleep over that decision. I do find it interesting that you again decide to call me names and then associate me with a politition that I dont associate with at all because you dont like her and you dont like me.. I didnt even do anything. flag this comment

bcallaway Said:

July 26, 2011 at 9:33 AM

Congratulations to the Crypt Keeper.

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