Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Jeff Poppell has resigned his position after 6 seasons at the helm of the Lady Razorbacks, the Althetics Director Jeff Long announced Saturday. The decision was made as a result of the Poppells’ need to attend to ailing family members in Florida.
“Over the last several months, my wife and I have faced some challenges relating to the health of our family members in Florida,” Poppell said. “These experiences have prompted us to make the difficult decision to leave the University of Arkansas and move our family closer to home so that we may be in a better position of support and assistance in the future.
During his tenure, Poppell developed the Razorbacks into one of the better distance freestyle programs in the country, including senior-to-be Chelsea Franklin, who was 10th in the mile at last season’s NCAA Championships. In total, he had 10 All-Americans since 2008, highlighted by breaststroker Yi-Ting Siow finishing 2nd in the 200 in 2011.
The Razorbacks also had a stirling academic record, with Poppell’s teams consistently ranking at-or-near the top of the SEC in team GPA.
Sources tell us that Poppell’s next job will be as the head coach at Gulliver Prep High School in Miami. That’s the former home team of National High School Record holder Christine Swindle. They have a brand new, 50-meter facility, and their coach James Sweeney resigned last season. Poppell has some history in Florida High School swimming, as he was once the head of the famed Bolles program in Jacksonville.
I like swimming alot
Or something like that but every1 calls him jack
I know him I swim at the prep though I am better friends with his son Matthew Jack Poppell
Knew Jeff at Bolles.. He will do great things anywhere he goes.
One of the all time good guys in our sport. I know Arkansas will be sad to see him go. The folks at Gulliver Prep have a great coach to take them to the next level. Good luck to Jeff and his family.
Ur right he is a good coach at the prep and has good kids (:
Amazing coach… So sad to see you go. But we all understand, family comes first. You’ll be missed greatly Jeff.
Great guy! The best of luck to him and his family!