Peter Linn, the winningest coach in Easter Michigan University history, is retiring after 31 seasons at the helm of the swimming program (effective August 16), he told the team in an email.
“I learned to swim in an EMU pool in the basement of a building that has long since become a parking lot and attended middle school and high school on campus. All while watching the university establish a swimming program,” Linn wrote. “Now it is time to say good bye. My heart is filled with joys and regrets but no doubts. I have spent the greater portion of my adult life trying to build the best possible program at Eastern and it is simply not possible to describe my emotions as I step away. But I feel that this is the correct decision and that I have recognized the moment in which to make it.”
Linn attended EMU himself from 1969-74, and as a swimmer helped the team to a pair of NAIA team titles in 1970 and 1971, and the 1972 NCAA Division II Championship. He is the third-longest tenured coach in school history behind former track & field coach Bob Parks (33 years) and women’s gymnastics’ Steve Wilce (32 years).
He took over the men’s team ahead of the 1988-1989 season, leading it until it was cut from the school’s athletics programs last year. He has led the women’s team since the 2004-2005 season.
Under his watch, the Eagles accrued 26 Mid-American Conference Championships, including eight in a row from 1988-1996. For more than 19 seasons, the Linn’s team did not lose a MAC dual meet; he retires with an overall dual meet record of 308-101-1 (approximately a .75 winning percentage) and went 185-30 against MAC opponents.
Linn was the recipient of the 2018 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy from the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America. That season, Delaney Duncan became the school’s first-ever female NCAA A-finalist, and she went on to place second at NCAAs in the 100 breast in 2019. In March of 2018, the school announced it would cut the men’s swim team as part of a plan to cut four teams that was expected to lead to a $2.4 million expense reduction, and caused a massive uproar in the swim community (both among people with ties to the school and not). Athletes attempted to raise enough funds to save the team through social media campaigns, but the school was adamant that it would not be enough.
Linn’s retirement creates the latest Division I head coaching vacancy in an NCAA offseason that has seen nonstop turnover. With just weeks to go until the 2019-2020 season begins, 10 openings still remain: Saint Francis, Old Dominion, West Point, Pacific, SMU, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Eastern Illinois, New Mexico, Valparaiso, and now, Eastern Michigan.
Peter was such a class act! Every time I talked swimming with him it felt like I was working on my swimming Ph.D. Truly one of the best people and sharpest swimming minds I’ve been around. So honored to call him a friend and mentor!
Most underrated Division 1 coach by far. Probably most underrated coach ever. Have you ever been to Ypsilanti? 26 MAC Championships is absolutely incredible, especially in a place like Ypsi. He takes average kids and makes them good, great, and elite athletes. Peter you have been an inspiration to many, a mentor to even more, and a friend in life to nearly everyone who crossed your path. You always tell it like it is, no sugar coating. That’s what I love about you. Congrats on one of the most decorated careers ever as a coach.
Peter is the ultimate professional coach. He has done remarkable things in the sport of swimming on all levels. One of Eastern Michigan’s brightest stars. He gave his life to
Eastern and he will always be an Eagle. Congrats on retirement Pete….well deserved.
I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Peter. He is a fantastic coach, mentor, and friend. What a career.
Peter Linn is one of the smartest and wisest swim coaches I have known. He is an even better person. We shared some great years during the summers and I have no greater respect for any coach I know. Well done Peter!
Coach Linn a CLASS act that knows how to treat people. Thx for letting me be a small part of your first year way back when! I know Coach Jones is extremely proud of what you accomplished and how you created success!! Enjoy ‘retirement’ get out and enjoy what you have earned!! Thx again, hundreds of Alums are so very fortunate to call you Coach!!
I wish I would have had the chance to coach with him. Great individual!
There are not enough positive words available to describe Coach Linn. Some say he’s the most under-rated, under the radar, coach in college. I would agree. Consistently made average atheltes better and really good atheltes elte. Congratulations.
I hate to see these types of announcements!
Peter, I hope you remain in coaching one way or another!
Peter is a legend in coaching community. Thanks for all that you did for our sport Peter. Appreciate so much all that you have given.