Bob Bowman Confirmed As New Head Coach of Arizona State University; Phelps Likely To Follow

Retta Race
by Retta Race 115

April 25th, 2015 News

The Arizona Republic has confirmed that Bob Bowman, coach of the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, will indeed be announced as Arizona State University’s head swimming coach at a press conference set for noon local time today.

The North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) CEO/head coach’s name recently emerged as a possible candidate following the firing of previous coach Dorsey Tierney-Walker.  However, Bowman left the prospect fairly wide open when in Mesa for the latest Pro Swim Series, stating “It seems like there is good potential there.  I’ll talk to everybody who contacts me.”

As six-time USA Swimming Coach of the Year, Bowman obviously brings a huge vault of experience to the ASU helm, including the role of U.S. head coach at the 2007, 2009 and 2013 World Championships and has served on every major U.S. National team staff since 2001.

Bowman took a sidestep from his role at NBAC to coach at the University of Michigan from 2005 – 2008, which resulted in Michael Phelps following Bowman and training in Ann Arbor, Michigan in between the Athens and Beijing Olympics.  As such, with Rio on the horizon, it is likely Michael Phelps will once again follow his coach and mentor and set-up camp at ASU as well.

ASU had actually dismantled the men’s swimming program in 2008 due to financial reasons, however, the loyal backing of boosters’ funds were able to kick the program back into gear.  Additionally, ASU, has invested more than $1 million in Mona Plummer Aquatic Center improvements.  (AZ Central)

With a top tier coach arriving on the scene, and quite possibly the 22-Olympic medalist Phelps in tow, ASU seems primed to move forward on a refreshed path in the PAC-12 and NCAA.

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Swimsweep
8 years ago

Bobo is spot on
Refreshing to hear honesty vs the
Typical vomit induced rhetoric from delusional people

Swimsweep
8 years ago

Wonder if he will cover up another drowning in Arizona

vasili
8 years ago

So the Babe Ruth of Swimming is going to Arizona too! Phelps with a tan?

8 years ago

Tempe Ranked #5 in College Towns in Pac-12
Bowman will have a lot to present to swimmers regarding the Tempe and the Phoenix area. Based on a new poll of sportswriters in Athlon Tempe ranks #5 as best college towns in Pac-12. Boulder #1, Seattle #2, Los Angeles #3. Here’s the comments:
“The home of the Sun Devils might be the most polarizing campus town in the league. It got two first-place votes and two second-place votes, but also was ranked eighth by two panelists. The weather is great, the golfing is among the nation’s best and the, uh, wildlife is eye-popping. Tempe is voted as one of the best party schools in the nation every year for… Read more »

Überfan
8 years ago

Awesome for az if he moves here and brings his a team with him. Tons of other swimmers also practice in az like schoeman, Townsend, risovlato, smith, grevers, Thoman so I’m excited for this

SundevilAlum
8 years ago

Does anyone know the details of the contract Bowman signed ? I’m guessing it took a significant chunk of change to get Bowman out here. Do you swim coaches normally receive the do you swim coaches normally receive The same perks as other coaches ?

Justkee
8 years ago

I know nothing about that incident since it happened before my kids started there. I can only speak of the interactions I see firsthand and from what my kids tell me directly.

Billabong
8 years ago

This is a massive coup for ASU. Their program will skyrocket over the next 4 years. They will attract student athletes who aspire toward Olympic gold, and will have a predominantly ASU alumni, post grad, elite progam in place after a few years. In typical USA tradition, they are thinking big, and will probably over achieve. Well done ASU, the rest of the collegiate system is probably saying “why didn’t we think of that?”

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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