After a long run with the Astros, Bill Murphy is starting a new chapter. He began his career with the Astros in 2016, initially serving as the rookie pitching coach. Three years later, in 2019, he was promoted to pitching coordinator, and in 2021, he became the assistant pitching coach.
The Astros are known for having a stacked pitching rotation, and it's no secret Murphy had something to do with it. The Astros have led the Majors in team ERA (3.61) from 2022 to 2025. In the 2025 season, the Astros finished eighth in team pitching WAR (18.0) in the majors per Houston Chronicle.
Now let's take a look at Murphy's background. He kicked off his coaching career in Georgetown with the Browns, where he discovered his strength in player development. During his time in Houston, he developed countless pitchers like Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, and Hunter Brown. Under his guidance, Valdez posted a 3.39 ERA in 2025, while Javier struck out 210 batters per ESPN.
Murphy was also a part of the franchise during the 2022 World Series championship season. This was a crucial time for the pitching coach, and he delivered when it mattered most.
Overall, his time in Houston was extremely beneficial for the Astros. He helped pitchers improve their skills and gain confidence on the mound, from young players just starting out to veterans looking to refine their techniques. Only time will tell what he will bring to the Pittsburgh Pirates.