The Arizona State Sun Devils have had an incredible NCAA Championships run that they should be proud of. Led by the Frenchman Leon Marchand, the ASU men’s swim and dive team walked away from Indiana with 523.5 points to their name and multiple new records. However, only days after their first-ever NCAA title, fans were shocked to learn that the legendary swimming coach Bob Bowman would be moving on to Texas as their new swimming coach.

With impeccable performances all around, the Sun Devils asserted their dominance with determination. However, Bowman’s contributions to ASU’s first national title cannot be overstated and his departure is justifiably causing a wave across the nation’s swimming community.

Bob Bowman looks for a new challenge

The news of Bowman’s exit from the ASU campus was revealed across the internet only hours ago. Like all other social media platforms, Reddit also chimed in on the discussion about Bowman’s future, and what it may entail for the recently crowned NCAA champs. A recent post on the Subreddit r/Swimming reads “Bowman named Director of Swimming and Diving at Texas“, as it shares a news article by Texas highlighting Michael Phelps’ former coach’s new designation as the Longhorns’ new swimming program director.

Bowman named Director of Swimming and Diving at Texas – University of Texas Athletics
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However, Bowman will have big shoes to fill as he will be replacing the iconic Eddie Reese, who spent a staggering forty-six seasons with the Texas swimming team. “When we went searching for the next head coach of our Swimming and Diving program, we knew it would be challenging and that we had to find the absolute best to continue our proud tradition as the nation’s premier program“, Texas’ Richard Folger Athletics Director Chris Del Conte stated in regards to the ball rolling that got Bowman his new home.

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And understandably, the country’s swim and dive fans are scurrying to make sense of the veteran coach’s decision to switch camps.

Fans go frantic for an explanation

Since the post went live on Reddit, throngs of fans have come forward with their views on what might have led to Bowman’s unexpected decision or what the future now holds for the Sun Devils. One Redditor, EducatedJooner, thinks Bowman’s decision may have greater implications for the ASU team. “Great move for Bob’s career but I’m sure the ASU community is stunned“, commented the fan.

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Another fan refused to pay heed to the news, considering the date it was announced. “I thought it was an April fools prank“, wrote the fan with a skull emoji, underscoring their skeptical feelings.

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DanboyC5 thinks Bowman’s decision has a more deep-rooted cause that most are overlooking. “ASU not having an Athletic Director in over 6 months is biting them in the back“, reads the fan’s comment.

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For another Redditor it still seems to be a hard pill to swallow as their comment goes: “I still can’t believe it …“.

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As for olydan75, the prospects of Bob’s departure looks even more grave: “I assume Leon won’t be back either? Gotta hurt their chances of defending their title next year“.

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What do you think led Bowman to jump ships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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