I’ve been talking about this one over the past few days (D2 DIRT + DAILY DIRT) – it’s now official. Mike Ruane has resigned as the head basketball coach at D2 Franklin Pierce (he’s taking a HS jon in Florida), and will be replaced by Art Luptowski. Here’s the official release from FPU announcing the moves:
Mike Ruane has resigned as head coach of the Franklin Pierce University NCAA Division II men’s basketball program after three seasons leading the Ravens. Assistant coach Art Luptowski has been promoted to head coach.
Ruane took over the program prior to the 2023-24 season and spent three years leading the Ravens while mentoring student-athletes and helping guide the program’s continued development. During the 2025-26 season, he coached Anthony Parker to one of the top scoring campaigns in the Northeast 10 Conference. Across 25 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Ruane compiled an impressive 418-259 career record.
Director of Athletics Matt Johnson had this to say: “On behalf of Franklin Pierce University Athletics, I want to sincerely thank Mike for his dedication and service over the past three years. Mike has been a valued colleague, an outstanding teammate, and a strong representative of our department. We are grateful for the time, energy, and commitment he invested in our student-athletes and program, and we wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
He continues, “We are excited to announce Art’s promotion into the Head Coach role. During his time with the program, Art has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic, a deep commitment to our student-athletes, and a passion for Franklin Pierce Basketball. He has played an important role in the development of the program and has earned this opportunity through his dedication, leadership, and extensive coaching experience.”
A Franklin Pierce Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Luptowski previously led the Ravens from 1989-99, compiling a 192-97 record and guiding the program to four NCAA Tournament appearances. He later spent 15 seasons as head coach at fellow Northeast 10 member American International College before serving seven seasons as an NBA scout, gaining valuable experience at the highest levels of the game. Luptowski returned to Franklin Pierce as an assistant coach prior to the 2024-25 season, bringing decades of coaching experience back to Raven Nation.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to coach this special group of returning players, along with the talented incoming players that we have recruited,” said Luptowski “Thanks to the administration – President Peter Eden, Director of Athletics Matt Johnson, Senior Associate Athletic Director Ben Rosenfeld, and Associate Athletic Director Steve Hennessey – for putting their trust in me. Best of luck to Coach Mike Ruane in his new coaching position in Florida.”
Johnson added, “Art is the right person to lead our men’s basketball program. His experience, familiarity with Franklin Pierce, and strong relationships within the basketball community make him uniquely positioned to build upon the foundation that has been established. We are confident he will continue to elevate Franklin Pierce Men’s Basketball while providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes, and we look forward to the future of the program under his leadership.”
