McKendree University has nabbed former Northwestern and U.S. National Team coach Jimmy Tierney to lead their brand-new Division II swimming & diving programs.
McKendree University just completed the transition from NAIA to the NCAA’s Division II in 2013, and are beginning to settle into their new class. The Bearcats compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) and will now add men’s and women’s swimming & diving programs, which will help them fit event better in the new conference.
The teams will kick off in the 2016-2017 season, but McKendree has already lined up its program leader, a 20-year veteran of the NCAA.
Jimmy Tierney was the head women’s coach at Division I Northwestern University for two decades before he and the school parted ways in April.
While at Northwestern, Tierney led the Wildcats to 7 finishes inside the NCAA’s top-20 and 5 finishes inside the top-12. He coached 26 Big Ten Champions and over 70 All-Americans.
He also served as a coach for Team USA at two different World University Games events – the 2007 Bangkok Games and the 1999 Mallorca Games.
McKendree plans to break ground on its brand-new swimming facility this month, and expects the pool to open in the fall of 2016, just in time for the team’s inaugural season. With the facility and the coach falling into place, McKendree’s next major need will be a team – it’ll be on Tierney to start recruiting the roster that will officially launch McKendree’s aquatic presence next fall.
Boiler Up: I think I can answer your question; I believe I was a finalist for the job. I learned they are building an incredible facility, Univ Prez is former swimmer and swim coach at USC, AD is a combination of a Fortune 50 CEO and major DI AD. In my research for the job I read the bios of the coaches they have been hiring, Jimmy is in good company. I do find it interesting the school has not announced yet. If I were not going to get the job at least I was beat out by someone of his credentials. Good luck Jimmy, Mckendree is sure to be on the podium soon! #stillhopeful, #jealous
Wow! Great hire for McKendree! I had not heard of that school before, how did they land Jimmy he is one of the best in the business. DII swimming just got better!!!
Wow! Great hire for McKendree! I had not heard of that school before, how did they land Jimmy is one of the best in the business. DII swimming just got better!!!
I don’t know about his coaching but Jimmy is a wonderful person, says his older sister.
Congrats Jimmy DII is a blast and can’t wait to see you at NCAA ! Have fun
Congratulations Jimmy. An outstanding swimming coach but also a great life coach that needs to be leading a program to make a positive difference in kids’ lives.
Very happy for Jimmy! I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy when he invited some of our younger swimmers to attend a Northwestern Meet. It was a wonderful experience and he is a great advocate for swimming! Watch out for McKendree in the future!
Great hire and terrific way to launch the program. Congrats to both McKendree and to Jimmy. Go Bearcats!