Tim Welsh, who has been the head men’s swimming and diving coach at the University Notre Dame for the past 29 years, will retire at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 season, the Irish Athletic Department announced today.
Welsh will continue to coach this season, but will be replaced starting in 2014 by current associate head coach Matt Tallman.
Welsh’s Notre Dame program has won the Big East 6 times, including the past two seasons. He holds a career dual meet record of 321-178, a .643 winning percentage. Welsh is currently the second longest-tenured coach in the Irish Athletic Department, having been with the swimming program since 1985.
“It’s time for me and for Notre Dame men’s swimming to move on to the next stage,” Welsh said in Notre Dame’s press release. “As I leave coaching, it is my hope and dream to continue to work as an educator in some capacity.”
Tallman has worked with Welsh and the Irish men for the past 13 seasons, 8 as associate head coach. He’ll now take over as only the third head coach in Notre Dame men’s history.
“We have a nearly full season of training and racing ahead of us,” Welsh said in the release. “As we move through this year of transition, we are fully committed to that purpose and vision. I am fully confident that the very best days of Notre Dame men’s swimming are still to come, and I am equally confident that Matt Tallman will lead us there.”
It’s your leg on the relay now, Coach Tallman. May God be with you ’til we meet again.
Joe O’Connor
Class of 74
Tim and Matt are both class acts! Always supportive, positive and enthusiastic! I am sure the folks at Notre Dame know how fortunate they have been to have Tim at the helm and Matt ready to keep the program moving forward. Kudos to them and the entire team and staff! I hope you can give Tim a great sendoff this season!
He is a Notre Dame institution! Has it been this long? I remember him as a fresh young coach in the mid 80’s. Congrats on your retirement.
Congrats, Tim!!!
I saw the Irish during winter training in 1992 in Tempe, AZ when I was coaching for the Univ. of Colorado club swimming team, and never have I seen a team with more team spirit/unity than Notre Dame. Good luck to you Coach, wherever you may go.