IN BRIEF : U. of Cincinnati Hires Maine Coach

CINCINNATI — Tim Murphy, who turned around the football program at the University of Maine, was named today as the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati.

“I’m foolish enough to believe that I can influence this program. We have no place to go but up,” said Murphy, 32.

Murphy, described as a disciplinarian and a motivator by new Cincinnati athletic director Rick Taylor, had worked as an assistant coach for three years under Taylor at Boston University. Murphy said he is concerned about Cincinnati’s NCAA probation and said he will work to improve the program’s image nationally.

Murphy, who has been the head football coach at Maine the last two seasons, was one of two finalists for the job vacated by Dave Currey.

Cincinnati has had six straight losing seasons in football and has been put on NCAA probation for violations in its football and men’s basketball programs. Currey resigned after his fifth losing season and after the NCAA sanctions were announced.