TALLAHASSEE – Florida State director of track and field/cross country Matt Kane announced on Monday the addition of Ryan Murphy to his coaching staff for the 2025-26 season.

Murphy will lead the men’s distance group and serve as the director of operations for the Seminoles, taking care of administrative and logistical aspects of the track and field/cross country programs.

Murphy has led his athletes to seven All-American honors and six individual conference titles while capturing five team championships and three school indoor records.

“I was looking for a young coach who had ties to high level distance program,” said FSU head coach Matt Kane. “Ryan is exactly that. He comes to FSU from the University of Arkansas where he was mentored by Coach Bucknam. Ryan has been part of multiple SEC Championships and NCAA top 10 teams, we hope to use that blueprint as we continue to build our distance programs.”

Murphy was instrumental at Arkansas in designing effective training plans for several collegiate distance runners, assisting head and assistant coaches in practice organizations and actively recruiting to retain top tier athletes.

Last season Murphy helped Reuben Reina to a program record in the indoor mile at 3:53. Reina was also named the Indoor Mile Champion with two NCAA National Championship appearances during his career.

Under the direction of Murphy, Patrick Kiprop became one of the most prolific distance runners in the country after becoming a five-time SEC Champion and All-American, including a program record in the men’s 5,000-meters. During the cross country season Kiprop was also named an All-American after placing 21st with a time of 29:15.7.

Ben Shearer had a successful collegiate career after being named a seven-time SEC medalist and two-time All-American in the Distance Medley Relay. Shearer finished second in the 5,000 at the 2025 SEC Conference Championship with a time of 13:59.19. Shearer also helped the Razorbacks to a third-place team finish at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country National Championship.

Prior to coaching, Murphy competed for the Razorbacks from 2017-23 with his master’s in education of science and sports management.

During his time as a student-athlete, Murphy captured 11 SEC over cross country, indoor and outdoor, while helping the Razorback win the national championship at 2023 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship.

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