FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Lynchburg, Va. – Liberty Head Baseball Coach Jim Toman has announced the hiring of Jason Murray as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Murray replaces former Liberty coach Nick Schnabel, who accepted a similar position at East Carolina earlier this month. Murray will serve as the team’s infield coach and assist with the hitters.
“We are delighted that we were able to hire someone with Jason’s experience,” said Toman. “Not only has Jason worked with several outstanding coaches, but he has also been a head coach in the Big South Conference and was recently the recruiting coordinator at Michigan. As a strong Christian, Jason is a perfect fit for Liberty, and we are extremely excited to have him and his wife, Mindy, join the Liberty family.”
“This opportunity is a true blessing for my wife, Mindy, and me,” stated Murray. “To be a part of Coach Toman’s staff and hear his vision for Liberty Baseball is an honor.
“Coach Toman’s background and experience is respected across the nation in collegiate baseball. The mission at Liberty and support from our Athletic Director Jeff Barber will help our program move forward under Coach Toman. I am excited to start working with him, Pitching Coach Garrett Quinn, Assistant Coach Jeremy Boles and Baseball Operations Director Billy Daniels!”
Murray, 34, is no stranger in Big South baseball circles, having served two assistant coaching stints at Winthrop and leading the Charleston Southern program as its head coach for four years.
“Jason Murray is first and foremost a great man and a great friend,” commented Winthrop Head Coach Joe Hudak. “He is an outstanding coach who truly cares for his players.
“He will be a great addition to Coach Toman’s already fine staff at Liberty. We wish Jason the best, except, of course, when we play the Flames.”
Last season, Murray returned to Winthrop to serve as an assistant coach for the second time under Hudak. The Eagles posted a 35-25 overall record, while finishing in second place in the Big South standings with an 18-9 mark.
In September 2004, after coaching at Michigan, Murray returned to the Big South as head coach at Charleston Southern. Over his four years at the helm of the Buccaneers, Murray recorded the fourth-most wins by a head coach in program history and had six of his players earn all-conference honors. His 2005 Buccaneer squad set a school record by posting a 14-game win streak—the longest in school history. In 2008, three of his freshman recruits earned All-American honors.
Murray is a graduate of Ball State, where he played shortstop for current Michigan coach Rich Maloney. As a senior, Murray hit .425 on his way to first team Mid-American Conference honors, helping the Cardinals to a 40-19 overall record.
“Jason Murray was an outstanding player at Ball State,” commented Maloney on his former player. “He is an outstanding recruiter, he has a winsome personality and is driven to become his best.”
“He is a tireless worker and will do a great job with Liberty’s hitters and infielders. Jason will be a great addition to Coach Toman’s staff.”
Murray served one season as a student assistant at Ball State, before temporarily leaving the coaching ranks to teach. One year later, he joined the coaching staff at Winthrop, where he served as an assistant coach for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. The 2001 Winthrop squad boasted a 48-16 record and earned a berth in the NCAA Greenville Regional at East Carolina.
In 2002, Murray joined the Florida coaching staff, where he helped lead the Gators to a 46-19 record, hosting an NCAA Regional. Murray then moved on to Michigan, where he served as the Wolverines’ recruiting coordinator for two seasons.
Murray graduated from Ball State with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and is married to the former Mindy Curtis.
