SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 15. WHILE the investigation into alleged sexual misconduct into former head coach Greg Winslow continues, the University of Utah wasted no time is hiring his successor as North Texas' Joe Dykstra has been hired by the Utes.
Dykstra, the Sun Belt Conference co-Coach of the Year, had previously been at the helm of the North Texas women's team for the last seven years. Previously, he coached at Washington from 2001-06 after having served as a graduate assistant at Tennessee from 1999-2000.
“We had some very good candidates apply for our position and we are very pleased that our top choice accepted the job,” said Utah Director of Athletics Chris Hill. “Joe's teams have succeeded in the pool and in the classroom, and his vision for the program matches our University's.”
This will be the first time Dykstra has been the head coach of a merged collegiate program, and is definitely stepping into a difficult situation following the Winslow era.
“I couldn't be more excited to join the Utah program,” said Dykstra. “To be able to lead a coed program in the Pac-12 Conference is a tremendous honor. Utah has limitless potential and I am looking forward to building on its recent success and taking this program to new heights. I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Hill and (senior associate athletics director) Kyle Brennan for giving me this opportunity.”
Winslow, who was let go as news of allegations against him broke the eve (Feb. 28) of the Pacific 12 Conference Championships, has yet to be charged by the Maricopa County Attorney's office. This is a bit of an oddity within the county criminal process as Maricopa County Attorney public information officer Jerry Cobb explained to Swimming World six weeks ago that the County Attorney generally makes a final determination on whether to charge someone within 30 days.