Change in leadership for ASU’s swimming program

TEMPE, Ariz. — Three days ago Arizona State swim and dive won their first National Championship in program history. Now, just around 72 hours later, it’s been announced there will be a significant change in leadership for the Sun Devils moving forward.

Significant change in leadership announced for ASU swim and dive

On April 24, 2015, Bob Bowman was hired as the head coach of ASU’s swimming programs, both men and women. Prior to joining the Sun Devils, he had two Big Ten Coach of the Year trophies to his name. He was also a known mentor to Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest Olympian of all time.

Bowman took ASU to new heights in the pool, none bigger than a NCAA Championship several days ago. He transformed the program. ASU swim and dive was cut in 2008, and needed to be brought to life thanks to several fundraising attempts. 16 years later the Sun Devils are National Champions. It’s truly one of the most impressive stories in college athletics. Now his chapter in Tempe has come to a close. Bowman will be the new Director of Swimming and Diving at Texas.

BREAKING: Bob Bowman has been announced as the new Director of Swimming & Diving at the University of Texas pic.twitter.com/Vy9nQrVkby

— Kyle Sockwell (@kylesockwell) April 1, 2024

Many on social media were quick to assume this news was an April Fools joke, but that was not the case.

“I am honored and tremendously excited to lead the most storied program in collegiate swimming and diving history,” Bowman said in a statement released by Texas. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young coach and to have it be fulfilled is an amazing thing.”

What’s next for ASU swim and dive?

It didn’t take long for Arizona State to name a replacement for Bowman. ASU alum Herbie Behm will be the new head man of the program, ASU announced on April 1. The announcement came just a few hours after Bowman’s departure.

New leader in Tempe 🔱#SunDevil4Life Herbie Behm (@SirHerb_the3rd) is the new head coach of Sun Devil Swim! 🫡#ForksUp /// #O2V pic.twitter.com/EOPGOkUswI

— Sun Devil Swim/Dive (@ASUSwimDive) April 1, 2024

Behm has served as an associate head coach with both the men’s and women’s swimming programs under Bowman since 2022.

“Herbie is the brightest young coach in America and becoming the Head Coach at ASU is a perfect opportunity for him,” Bowman said. “He was my trusted partner in building our championship program and he will lead the Sun Devils to many more milestones in the future. I couldn’t be happier for Herbie or for ASU!”

Behm’s ASU ties

ASU’s new headman is very familiar with the program, beyond his coaching experience in Tempe. Behm swam for ASU from 2010-2013. He even had to sell raffle tickets with his teammates in 2010 to help fund the program.

“The Sun Devil swim programs have reached new heights over the past few seasons thanks in large part to Behm’s efforts under Bowman’s watch,” Arizona State University writes in a press release. “He has been part of a culture change within the program which most recently resulted in the men’s team winning the 2024 NCAA Championship and the women’s team recording a Top-25 finish at NCAAs. Whether as an assistant or associate head coach, Behm has been an integral part of signing and developing some of the World’s elite swimmers.”

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