Bob Bowman departs Arizona State for Texas

(Photo: Casey McNulty/WCSN)

Two days ago, the Arizona State men’s team had one of the most dominant performances in history at the 2024 NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships. Head coach Bob Bowman was at the forefront of this success, fighting to build a legacy since he started with the team in 2015. However, just days after the Sun Devils won the national title for the first time in school history, it was announced that Bowman is leaving ASU to take up a new coaching position at the Texas.

Eddie Reese’s near 46-year tenure as the men’s coach at Texas stood as a monument to his unparalleled legacy in collegiate swimming. His departure marked a significant transition as Bowman entered the role, inheriting not only the title of men’s team coach but also assuming the position of Director of Swimming and Diving. This expanded role grants Bowman complete control over Texas’ esteemed swimming program, a responsibility that extends to overseeing the women’s team. It is also important to note that the Texas men’s team had an uncharacteristic performance at the recent NCAA Championships.

Despite the program’s storied history of success, this year’s showing fell short of expectations. The transition to Bowman’s leadership now presents an opportunity for revitalization and a return to the program’s championship-caliber performance. With Bowman at the helm, there is anticipation for a resurgence in Longhorn swimming, aiming to reclaim its position at the forefront of collegiate competition.

Meanwhile, at ASU, the departure of Bowman has prompted a leadership shift within the Sun Devils’ swimming program. Associate head coach Herbie Behm has been entrusted with the head coaching job. Behm has been with the Devils since 2018 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2022, showing his integral role within the program. Now, as head coach, he steps into a position of greater responsibility and opportunity. With his familiarity with the Sun Devils’ swimming, Behm is poised to lead the team into its next chapter, building upon past successes and shaping the future of ASU’s swimming legacy.

Bob Bowman’s decision to depart ASU for the Texas undoubtedly leaves a significant void in the Sun Devils’ swimming program. It raises numerous questions about its future trajectory. Of particular interest is the decision of junior standout Léon Marchand, one of Bowman’s prized pupils, regarding his final year of NCAA eligibility. The uncertainty looms over whether Marchand will forego his remaining eligibility to turn professional and potentially continue his training under Bowman at Texas.

The fate of other rising stars within the Sun Devils’ ranks, such as freshman Ilya Kharun and sophomores Hubert Kós and Zalán Sarkany, also hangs in the balance. With multiple years of eligibility ahead of them, these athletes face the decision of whether to remain at ASU or follow Bowman to his new coaching position. Their choices will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of ASU’s swimming program and the collegiate swimming scene.