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University of Texas Hires Wyatt Collins As New Assistant Coach

The University of Texas just announced that Wyatt Collins has been named assistant coach of Men’s Swimming & Diving, filling taking the vacancy left by long-time associate head coach Kris Kubik, who announced his retirement earlier this summer after 34 years as Eddie Reese’s second in command.

For Collins, the new job is really more like of a promotion; Collins served as a volunteer coach with the Texas men’s swim team for the previous three seasons, the last two of which ended in Texas winning the NCAA National Championships (runners-up in 2014).  Previous to volunteering his time on deck he was a member of the Longhorns men’s swim team for one season (2011-2012), and before the University of Texas he swam two years at Boston University (2008-2010).

Collins cites Kubik as a mentor and credits him with for teaching him about recruiting, meet entries, team travel, and supervising team workouts.  Outside of the job, Collins also credits Kubik with being a mentor and lending an ear for anything personal he was going through.

Before beginning as a volunteer assistant coach in 2013, Collins spent the summer of 2013 as an age group coach for Nitro Swimming, one of the most successful clubs in the country.  In 2013 Collins earned a bachelor’s in history from the University of Texas where he was a two-time member of the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll.  Collins is also an accomplished triathlete and 2016 Ironman (70.3) World Championships qualifier.

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Dawgpaddle
8 years ago

Congratulations Wyatt.

Russ
8 years ago

I’m assuming he’s in his mid 20’s from the article. I’d like to know how someone can volunteer for 3 years at a job and afford to live in Austin, TX. It didn’t mention another job during that time.

weirdo
Reply to  Russ
8 years ago

Camp, club, parents….many coaches have to volunteer with colleges to get their foot in the door….at least, male coaches.

Pennsylvania Tuxedo
Reply to  Russ
8 years ago

A couple of things…

1. I think he was a student for most of the time while he was volunteering.

2. Typically they don’t do press release items where they’d say anything irrelevant to the position. I’ve never read one that said, “and while working as a volunteer assistant he worked at Subway and drove for Uber on the side”.

Josh Davis
8 years ago

I’ve been impressed with Wyatt since he first got to Austin. After watching him this last year work so well with Eddie, Kris and the guys it makes perfect sense and well deserved. Obviously, Kubik’s shoes are impossible to fill but Wyatt is a great coach and is great with people like Kubik is. Wyatt knows the Texas “Way”, stay humble, work your ass off, treat people right and good things happen. Congratulations Wyatt and can’t wait till March!

Human Ambition
Reply to  Josh Davis
8 years ago

Texan way! I love that expression!

swimdoc
Reply to  Josh Davis
8 years ago

(and avoid gas stations in Rio)

OLDBALDIMER
Reply to  Josh Davis
8 years ago

Congrats to Wyatt and could not agree more with you Josh! I have the pleasure of sometimes sharing a Masters workout lane with Wyatt and he is a great person, a humble hard worker and a great fit for Assistant Coach with Eddie. Again Congrats to Wyatt!

PsychoDad
Reply to  Josh Davis
8 years ago

Anyone who got chance to watch Longhorns at meets could see that Wyatt commands respect from his swimmers. When he is talking to them one on one, before or after swims, they listen to him. That can only happen if he is hard working and knowledgeable coach, and I am sure he is. I guess, this was the plan, for Kubik to retire earlier than Eddie, so Wyatt can have some years to spend as Eddie’s right hand. Plus, Eddie wants his assistant to teach technique Eddie way, so who better than Wyatt (it could have been any of his ex-swimmers, but obviously Eddie thinks Wyatt is the man). Maybe, Eddie decided to groom Wyatt to take over after he… Read more »

pwb
8 years ago

Congrats Mr. Collins. #TrustInEd

Johnk
8 years ago

Huh? Bizarre hire to say the least. Thought Eddie would go after someone with better credentials. Hardly a replacement for Kubik.

completelyconquered
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

Eddie probably knows something you don’t know.

swimdoc
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

There’s only one Kubik. Can’t replace him.

PVSFree
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

Collins has been with the team for three years, it’s usually better for everyone to have someone you know being promoted from within than hiring someone new. They know his coaching style and know how he operates

Johnk
Reply to  PVSFree
8 years ago

disagree. It’s not better if there are superior, more highly qualified candidates who can make a bigger contribution. I can think of many coaches off hand…but it wont matter inevitably as Eddie has a few more years at most before the program is turned over to a new HC.

Swimfly
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

Eddie more than likely knows what/who is the best fit is for the team. Qualified? The best fit is always the most qualified. #dontbetagainsteddie

BarryA
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

Apparently Eddie thinks Collins is the best candidate, suggesting he also believes Collins will contribute more than other candidates would have. I’m sure we can all think of some great coaches, but Eddie’s worked with Collins for a few years now and probably knows better what he’s capable of than most.

Human Ambition
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

What makes swim coach Highly Qualified?

weirdo
Reply to  PVSFree
8 years ago

Maybe Eddie knows it is going to be for a year or two so this might be the best scenario for everyone

SwimSam
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

Congrats to Wyatt! FYI, Wyatt comes from strong coaching pedigree. His dad is none other than John Collins, head coach of Badger Swim Club. Wyatt is energetic, focused and sharp. He will have plenty of support on multiple fronts. This team has plenty of great leaders that will step up to help keep the ship on course. Eddie knows his teams need to get better and faster. Always has… always will. No worries.

SwimNerd
Reply to  Johnk
8 years ago

So I take it you know Wyatt well then.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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