By Christopher Scott, Lowell Sun

Patrick Murphy, the successful and respected football coach at Dracut High School, is resigning to accept the head football coaching position at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.

Dracut’s athletic director, Tim Woods, confirmed today that Murphy will resign effective March 5, when a search for his replacement will begin.

“I’m very happy for Pat and his family,” said Woods. “The college made him a tremendous offer.”

The Dracut position was Murphy’s first head coaching position. The Middies had a 7-4 record last season and in 2006 they had a share of the Merrimack Valley Conference title along with Lowell and Central Catholic.

“Patrick put Dracut on the map and Dracut put Patrick on the map,” said Woods.

Murphy, who is married, lives in Ayer with his wife and three daughters.

Murphy was chosen to take over the Lowell program prior to last season, after Scott Boyle resigned. But at the last minute, Murphy elected to remain in Dracut.

The Lowell coaching job was then given to Al Pare. Following a disappointing inaugural season, Pare was recently given a two-year contract extension.

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