Bob Bowman (coach)

Bob Bowman is the eighth head coach in the history of the University of Michigan Swimming Men's program, which he took over in 2005. Prior to that, Bowman had a successful career at the international and club levels.

Prior to going to Michigan, Bowman was named as an assistant coach on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, serving as the primary coach for international phenom Michael Phelps. At the 2004 Games, Bowman helped coach Phelps to an Olympic-record eight medals, including six gold medals and two bronze.

Bowman also served for nine years at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club in Baltimore, Md. He was the high performance coach from 1999-2004, working directly with the senior elite performance group including Phelps. Under Bowman’s tutelage at the North Baltimore Aquatic club, Phelps won five World Championship gold medals and was named the American Swimmer of the Year in 2001 and 2003.

For his accomplishments with North Baltimore, Bowman won the USA Swimming and the American Swimming Coaches Association Coach of the Year Awards in 2001 and 2003. He was also named the USA Swimming Developmental Coach of the Year in 2002.

Bowman also held the position of senior coach at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club from 1996-99. During his tenure in Baltimore, Bowman helped to produce three individual national champions, 10 national finalists and five U.S. National Team members.

From 1994-96, Bowman served as head coach for the Napa Valley swim team. There he was responsible for an elite senior program including U.S. National ‘A’, ‘B' and National Junior Team members. Under Bowman’s watch, Napa Valley won six gold, two silver and two bronze medals in international competition.

Bowman was also the head coach and program director for the Birmingham Swim League from 1992-94. There he was responsible for program design, staff development and daily operation of a 250-member club. Under his supervision, BSL improved to a top five program regionally after finishing out of the top 20 the previous 10 years.

Prior to his position at BSL, Bowman held assistant coaching positions with the Napa Valley swim team (1991-92), the Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins (1990-91) and the Las Vegas Gold swim team (1988-90).

In 1986-87, Bowman was the head age group coach at the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club and also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Florida State University. Bowman swam for the Seminoles from 1983-85, serving as a team captain in his final year. Bowman graduated from Florida State with a bachelor of science degree in developmental psychology and a minor in music composition in 1987.