CANYON, Texas (KFDA) - Jon Murphy announced Friday he will become the new offensive coordinator for the Canyon Eagles, leaving his position as head football coach at Stratford after three years.
Murphy has been with the Elks for the past 11 seasons. He was promoted to head coach after Matt Lovorn, the current head football coach at Canyon, left Stratford to go to his alma mater.
Lovorn and Murphy will now be reunited. Both coaches were with the Elks when the squad won the state title in 2021.
Murphy said he cherished his time in Stratford but could not pass up the opportunity.
“We just, we’ve loved Stratford and we’ve had 11 great years and just had so many great relationships. It’s just been an extremely tough decision. And we finally, just come to a conclusion that, yep, there’s just two great opportunities in front of us. And when it comes right down to it, we talked about what might be best maybe for a family,” Murphy said.
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Lovorn says he’s thrilled to be reunited with Murphy.
“We’re very excited to have Jon Murphy join the Canyon Eagle Football program. Coach Murphy’s coaching career is one that is full of experience and success. During our time together in Stratford I had a front row seat to [the] type of man Coach Murphy is and how he builds relationships with his players.
His career and success speaks for itself, but his humble approach to leadership and coaching is what stands out the most! Coach Murphy will be a great addition to the Canyon Eagle Football program. I know he’s excited to get here and get to work!"
— Matt Lovorn, Canyon head football coach
Murphy finishes his career at Stratford with a 32-8 overall record as head coach. The Elks made it to the regional finals this past season.
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