Dec. 3, 2007

Green Bay Packers' News Release

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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern University will immediately begin a search for a new athletics director, Northwestern President Henry S. Bienen announced today (Dec. 3). The University will begin a search for a person to succeed Mark Murphy, who resigned to become president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers professional football team.

"We're sorry to see Mark go and we appreciate the tremendous leadership that he has provided here," Bienen said. "At the same time, we understand what a wonderful opportunity this is for him, so we wish him well."

During Murphy's four-and-a-half years as Northwestern's athletic director, the women's lacrosse team captured three straight NCAA national championships, the women's softball team twice advanced to the Women's College World Series, placing second and third, the men's soccer team reached the final eight of the NCAA tournament, the men's swimming and wrestling teams had extraordinarily successful seasons and the women's tennis team continued its domination of the Big Ten. The football team made two bowl appearances and won six or more games four out of the five years.

In the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup Standings, Northwestern has finished in the nation's top 30 for three consecutive years. In 2006-07, the Wildcats had 10 of their 19 teams participate in NCAA postseason play.

In addition, Northwestern student-athletes continued to have one of the highest graduation rates among all Division I-A schools. The football teams has won of the past four AFCA Academic Achievement Awards, which honor the school with the nation's top graduation rate, and Northwestern led the Big Ten in the latest NCAA graduation success rate (GSR) data with a 98-percent figure.

Also under Murphy's guidance, Northwestern recently built new playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, club sports and student use, renovated its softball stadium and also built new locker rooms for the men's and women's basketball teams.

"I very much appreciate the opportunity I was given when Northwestern selected me as its athletic director," Murphy said. "I'll miss the many friends I've made here and I'll continue to be a Wildcat supporter."

Remarks from NU Head Coaches on Mark Murphy

Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald: "I'm indebted to Mark and his administration for giving me the chance to lead our football program. Mark has been a terrific leader for Northwestern and its athletic program. I enjoyed our working relationship and appreciated his guidance. He will be missed."

Men's Basketball Coach Bill Carmody: "Going to the Packers is a great opportunity for Mark. He's a football guy. I'm really happy for him. We've had a good relationship and I hope things work out well for him. We appreciate the commitment that he's made to the men's basketball program and Northwestern Athletics as a whole."

Women's Basketball Coach Beth Combs: "I am thrilled for Mark and his family. It is no wonder an organization of that stature would want a leader like Mark. I will miss him after 10 years of working for him, but I know I am a better coach because of Mark Murphy."

Men's Soccer Coach Tim Lenahan: "It was an honor to work for Mark. Of all the great qualities that he has with his background with the NFL and his law degree, his best quality is that he is a great person. It is no coincidence that his four-plus years here have also been the most successful four years in the history of our program. I thank him and wish him nothing but the best in his time with the Packers."

Softball Coach Kate Drohan: "Mark has been a strong supporter of our program and has helped develop the idea of Northwestern softball winning championships. He has been completely involved at every level, from being behind the backstop at games to creatively providing resources to ensure the success of our program."

Women's Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller: "Mark has been a great mentor to me as a coach and a person. To have someone of his stature who is so approachable and willing to help is very rare. I feel fortunate to have worked with him for the past four years. Mark's vision was a perfect fit for Northwestern, emphasizing the importance of both academics and athletics. He will most definitely be missed by everyone in the department."