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Reactions to Texas swimming hiring Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman: 'Not an April Fools joke'

caleb yum, austin american-statesman
·4 min read

The retirement of former Texas men's swimming coach Eddie Reese left a void that isn't easily replaced. That is, unless, you have another legend waiting in the wings to replace the man who lasted 46 years on the job.

Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman was announced Monday to be leaving Arizona State to join Texas as the director of swimming and diving as well as the men's head coach. The former coach of Olympic legend Michael Phelps, Bowman spent nine seasons with the Sun Devils before finally bringing them to a national championship last season.

After winning a national title with Arizona State, Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman has left to join Texas.
After winning a national title with Arizona State, Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman has left to join Texas.

As an assistant to Reese, the head coach of the U.S. Olympic team in 2004 and 2008, Bowman helped Phelps claim eight total medals: six gold and two bronze. He also served as the head coach for the Olympic team in 2016.

Reese expressed confidence in Bowman's ability to replace him at Texas, even with his legendary career with the Longhorns. Although 15 career national championships and 13 runner-up finishes are nearly unheard of, the former coach believes his replacement is up for the task.

“Bob (Bowman) has had an amazing career at every level – age group, collegiate, national and international,” Reese said in a statement. “And the best part is he just seems to be getting better. Bob is the perfect choice for this job, and I will teach him to hunt and fish, too."

Here's how social media reacted to the hire.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas swimming hires Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman: 'Holy moly'