 In November 1984, Stan Barron, the longtime sports director at WBEN, died from thyroid cancer, shortly after calling the Bills' last preseason game of the year.Barron's short-notice death led to Murphy's immediate hiring; Murphy initially served in all of the same capacities that Barron did.Murphy served as sports director at WBEN from 1984 to 1992 and hosted a talk show on the station until 1995.