Coach Murph Officially Eastern Michigan's Coach Murph Now

Former Syracuse assistant Rob Murphy was officially introduced as the new head coach of Eastern Michigan basketball today.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Murphy, who hails from Detroit, and that was evident in his press conference.

"The journey has been long," said Murphy, who received a five-year contract with a base salary of $210,000. "I'm super excited and emotional at the same time. This is not a stepping stone for me. I plan on building the program from the ground up. I'm ready to hit the ground running. I'm going to be a presence in Detroit (recruiting) and a presence in the state of Michigan. I have a vision. I dream a lot. And this is a dream for me. I told (EMU President) Dr. Martin during the interview I will not let you down. I'm back home. I'm in Michigan and I'm here to stay."

He also took the time to praise the man who helped get him on the road to his own head gig, Jimmy B.

"Working for coach Boeheim for seven years I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity," Murphy said.

Murph cashes in with a five-year contract worth $210,000 annually plus a stipend for a radio program and performance-based bonuses. He's got his work cut out for him on the performance-side. The Eagles went 9-22 last season and haven't seen the NCAA Tournament since 1998. His predecessor, Charles Ramsey, went 68-118 in six seasons.

The program's best season was 1991 when they made a run to the Sweet Sixteen as a 12-seed.

After the initial shock wore off, all Syracuse fans have to feel good for Murph. He gave us some great years, did wonders on the recruiting trail and left us with some theme songs that we'll be hearing for years to come (for better or worse).

Besides, you just know we're going to schedule Eastern Michigan now, sooner or later. I'd be shocked if we don't see them in November/December by next season. Don't get too excited, EMU owns the all-time series, 1-0.