Jay Holmes Comes Out Of Retirement to Join University of Arizona Coaching Staff

The University of Arizona Wildcats announced today that Jay Holmes would be coming out of retirement to join their coaching staff.

Holmes previously spent more than 40 years at Texas A&M where he was a swimmer from 1980-1984 before he took over coaching, ultimately becoming the men’s team head coach in 2004. He stayed in this position until the end of the 2024 season, when he announced his retirement from coaching.

He briefly spoke about his decision to return in the University of Arizona’s press release, stating “Taking time away from coaching last year allowed me to experience a lot of the life that I would not have been able to do otherwise. As much as I enjoyed that time, it’s time to get back at it.”

While Holmes was with A&M, the Aggie men were in the top 26 at the NCAA championships 17 out of 19 total season. He also coached American Record holder Shaine Casas to the NCAA title in the men’s 200 IM in 2021.

The University of Arizona head coach Ben Loorz said “We are excited to welcome Coach Holmes and his wife Annette to the Wildcat Family. Jay has been a beacon of professionalism and character in the NCAA for a long time. I know the staff will benefit from his experience, and the athletes from his ability to connect.”

Arizona is coming off a strong year on both the men’s and women’s side. Both teams finished 2nd at the Big 12 Championships in February, and 29th at the NCAA Championships in March.

Holmes said “I am very grateful to Coach Loorz, his staff, and the University of Arizona for this opportunity. Arizona Swimming and Diving has a great history and great tradition. Being part of that is a privilege I am excited about…My wife and I look forward to arriving in Tucson and starting our adventure as Wildcats.”