"This is a professional business opportunity that I felt I needed to pursue," Bowman said. "It has been a privilege and honor for me to coach at the University of Michigan, and my four years here have been extremely meaningful. I have enjoyed working with the student-athletes and representing the University, and I plan to continue a close relationship with U-M for a long time to come."

"I am sorry to see Bob leave, but this was an unexpected, rare business opportunity that he could not pass up," said U-M director of athletics Bill Martin. "This has been an exciting time for Michigan swimming, and I'm happy that he was able to conclude his tenure here on a high note with a Big Ten championship. I look forward to continuing a relationship with him."

Bowman concluded his fourth season as U-M's head coach in March, guiding the Wolverines to the 2008 Big Ten Conference title and a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. In four seasons, he compiled a 30-8-1 record in dual meets, including 21-1-1 against Big Ten opponents.

The Wolverines finished among the top eight nationally all four years during Bowman's tenure, including sixth-place finishes in 2005 and 2008. At the Big Ten Championships, U-M finished third in 2005 and 2006, missed capturing the Big Ten title by just four points in 2007, and improved on that runner-up finish by winning the 2008 championship in front of a home crowd at Canham Natatorium. Twice Bowman earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors (2007 co-recipient, 2008), and he mentored three swimmers to six NCAA individual titles.

Contact: Bruce Madej          (734) 763-4423