Richard Mulrooney, a 12-year Major League Soccer veteran who joined the University of Memphis coaching staff as an assistant in 2013, has been named the Tigers' head men's soccer coach. Memphis Director of Athletics Tom Bowen made the announcement on Tuesday.

"We were impressed with Richard throughout the interview process and he separated himself from a group of outstanding candidates for the position," Bowen said. "With his professional playing experience, he obviously knows what it takes to play at the highest level. Beyond his experience playing the game, we were captivated by his ability to coach and his plan to build a top-flight program at the University of Memphis."

Mulrooney becomes the fourth head coach in the history of the program filling the vacancy left by Richie Grant, who was named the head coach at Cal State Bakersfield last month.

"I am ecstatic about being given this opportunity," Mulrooney said. "When Richie Grant brought me on to be a part of his staff last year, I knew it was the right move. I appreciate the support received from Tom Bowen and members of his senior staff - Stacy Martin, Wren Baker and Ryan Bradley. I appreciate them giving me this opportunity.

"With the group of kids we have back and the great group of players we have coming in, it is only going to get better," Mulrooney said. "And with the plans to build an on-campus stadium and the support in place, I am thrilled to be the head coach at the University of Memphis and look forward to taking the program to the next level."

Mulrooney joined the Memphis staff in January of 2013. In his first season as a member of the program, the Tigers were 9-8-1 and earned the No. 6 seed at the inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament.

"We are all excited to play for a guy that has a resume like Coach Mulrooney," said Memphis rising senior forward Wil Linder. "A handful of MLS Cups and appearances with the U.S. National Team can't be found in the experience of many college coaches across the country.

"Since he has been with us, starting as an assistant coach last spring, Coach Mulrooney has been able to render some of his experiences to myself and my teammates," added Linder. "I am looking forward to playing for him and seeing how he incorporates his soccer experience into his new position."

Mulrooney's coaching experience includes serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Stanford University (2001, 2002) under the guidance of head coach Bret Simon. From 2003-05, he served as director of the Coach Mulrooney Soccer Academy camps in San Jose, Calif. Additionally, he coached the De'Anza Force Select Club team in San Jose from 1999-2004.

As a player in the MLS from 1999-2011, Mulrooney played for the San Jose Clash/Earthquakes, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo.

Mulrooney was a part of three MLS Cup-winning teams (2001, 2003 and 2007) and was a three-time MLS All-Star Selection (2002, 2004 and 2006). He also played for the United States' National Team, making 14 appearances. He was a member of the 2002 Gold Cup championship team. He also made the 2002 World Cup team as an alternate.

Prior to playing in the MLS, Mulrooney was a standout at Creighton University (1995-98). He helped lead the Blue Jays to four NCAA Tournament appearances and the College Cup in 1996. During his career at Creighton, Mulrooney was named NSCAA All-America first-team (1998), MVC Player of the Year (1998) and was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection (1996, 1997, 1998).

He was inducted into the Creighton University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. He earned a degree in marketing from Creighton in 2005.

A native Memphian, Mulrooney was a High School All-American at Christian Brothers High School. As a prep athlete, he played on the winning South Team at the Puma Cup and was a member of the U.S. Under-20 National Team.

Mulrooney is married to the former Shelley Steinwand and they have two boys, Hayden and Logan.

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