The University of Iowa Athletic Department ended concern that the future of the Hawkeyes was in jeapordy when they announced the hiring of Marc Long as interim head women's swimming coach and Frannie DeBord as his assistant. There had been concern that the athletic department, facing a $300,000 shortfall, had placed some sports on the chopping block. Iowa's Senior Associate Athletic Director Jane Meyer informed CollegeSwimming.com that this was not the case.

There was also concern regarding the interim tag placed on Long's job title. Meyer informed CollegeSwimming.com that this was in anticipation of some progress towards the construction of a new pool. Other sources have indicated that Iowa had hoped to hire a woman for the position, but selected Long because of the overwhelming support from the athletes.

Long is no stranger to the program. He was an assistant for the men's swimming team from 1998-2001 before joining the women's team as an assistant coach. He helped the women achieve their first winning season in several years during the 2002-03 season. Long was a two-time Big Ten champion and NCAA finalist in the 100-yard butterfly before graduating from Iowa in 1990.

DeBord, also a Hawkeye graduate, lettered at Iowa from 1996-98. Debord comes to the Hawkeyes from Tulane University, where she helped start the swimming program. She helped lead the first-year team to a 13-3 dual record and 20 top eight finishes at the Conference USA meet. DeBord has helped coach at several other institutions, including Fresno State and Ohio University. DeBord was a volunteer assistant coach at Iowa (1999-2001) while completing her degree.

"We're delighted to name Marc Long and Frannie DeBord our women's swimming coaches," said Meyer. "Marc has extensive experience in both our men's and women's programs. We feel fortunate to have someone with his Hawkeye background stepping into the top position for our women's team. Frannie is a three-time letterwinner with Iowa and also served as a volunteer assistant for two years. She also knows what it means to be part of the Hawkeye team. That's something important to all of us."