Jack Curran Dies; Basketball Coach Was 82

Jack Curran, the winningest high school sports coach in the U.S., has died. Curran reportedly died in his sleep at his home in Rye, N.Y. on Thursday. He was 82 years old. Curran coached both baseball ...
Jack Curran Dies; Basketball Coach Was 82
Written by
  • Jack Curran, the winningest high school sports coach in the U.S., has died. Curran reportedly died in his sleep at his home in Rye, N.Y. on Thursday. He was 82 years old.

    Curran coached both baseball and basketball at Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York. His combined wins for both the sports total over 2,600 – more than any other high school coach in the U.S. His winning record and longevity as a coach have earned Curran a place in the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame, and seven other halls of fame.

    “It’s a very sad day for all of us here at Molloy,” said Richard Karsten, president of Archbishop Molloy. “Coach Curran built a legacy that transcends any traditional notion of coaching high school athletics. To him it was always about the kids. They were the reason for his success. His passing will not only be felt by today’s students, faculty and staff, but generations going back over 50 years.”

    Curran was the son of a New York City police officer and grew up in the Bronx. After graduating from St. John’s University, he went on to play minor league baseball. in 1958 he began his coaching career at Archbishop Molloy. Throughout his years of coaching, Curran coached several players who went on to join the NBA, including Kenny Anderson and Kenny Smith.

    (Image courtesy Archbishop Molloy High School)

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit