Texas

Michael Phelps’ former coach named Texas Longhorns director of swimming and diving

April 2, 2024

  

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The longtime coach of the most decorated Olympian in history is now coaching at Texas.

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’ coach during his run of 23 Olympic gold medals, has spent the past nine seasons turning Arizona State into a collegiate swimming and diving power. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte named Bowman the director of swimming and diving on Monday, and the job also includes being the head coach for the men’s team.

FILE – U.S. swimming star Michael Phelps, left, walks with his coach Bob Bowman during a training session at the World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Given that Michael Phelps won 23 gold medals at the Olympics, Bowman had little reason to question his over-the-top techniques. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

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“When we went searching for the next head coach of our swimming and diving program, we knew it would be challenging and that we had to find the absolute best to continue our proud tradition as the nation’s premier program,” Del Conte said. “We did just that with Bob Bowman.”

Bowman replaces the legendary Eddie Reese at the helm of the men’s team, but Reese will still serve in a coach emeritus role. Bowman is the seventh coach in the 89-year history of the swimming and diving program.

Bowman led the Sun Devils to the 2024 men’s swimming and diving national championship and 14 of his athletes were named All-Americans. Arizona State finished 79 points ahead of runners-up California and set three NCAA and nine school records at the national meet.

Bowman was also a Team USA coach with Reese in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics while serving as the head coach for the 2016 Rio Games.

An introductory press conference for Bowman will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday.