Marc Long Stepping Down as Iowa Coach; School Releases Insulting Statement By Not Referencing Program Cuts
The University of Iowa announced on its athletics website on Tuesday that head swimming coach Marc Long has declined the opportunity to continue on as the coach of the Hawkeyes. What was missing from the press release was the fact that Long declined the chance to coach one half of the programs he has run, since Iowa made the decision to cut the men’s swimming program late last summer.
Initially, Iowa cut both the men’s and women’s swimming programs, but it was announced in February that the women’s program would be reinstated.
Long could have remained in Iowa City and coached the women’s program, but the Iowa alum opted to move in another direction. Iowa announced it was cutting the men’s swimming and diving program last August, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its announcement concerning Long, the school failed to make the slightest mention of its decision to eliminate the men’s swim program, or the fact that the women were initially on the chopping block.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision to leave a program that means so much to me,” Long said. “It has been an honor to work with many amazing students, athletes, coaches and staff throughout my time at Iowa. That experience and the positive interaction with alumni, families, and fellow coaches has been a privilege. I’d like to thank my family and friends for being incredibly supportive, understanding, and encouraging, especially as I take this next step.”
Long was a member of the Iowa staff since 2002 and coached more than 50 All-American athletes and guided his swimmers to 169 school records.