Lehigh Athletics has named Rob Herb the new head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, after conducting a national search. Herb, a graduate of the Lehigh master’s program in 1994, succeeds John Morrison who left to become the women’s head coach at Navy earlier this month.

Herb is no stranger to Lehigh’s Jacobs Pool. He has served as part of the Mountain Hawks staff for over a decade, initially as a member of the swimming staff under Chris Marshall, but more recently in a part-time administrative role as Aquatics Director. His primary professional commitment has been Director and Head Coach of the very successful Atlantis Club Swimming program, a long time lessee of Lehigh pool space. Herb has worked with Atlantis since 1994, when he created the club. He is four-time honoree of the American Swim Coaches Association, capturing their Coach of Excellence honor in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

“Rob’s reputation as a technical swimming coach and advocate for swimming is national in scope,” said Lehigh Athletics Director Joe Sterrett. “More importantly, however, Rob maintains a set of educational and personal values that are extremely well aligned with the university and with our department. Rob's demeanor, organizational skills, creative and strategic thinking abilities, and concern for young people have earned him a strong and positive reputation that is founded upon respect and trust. I am excited that Rob decided that it was time to return to the collegiate environment and proud that he thinks as highly about the Lehigh community and the future of our swimming programs as he does.

“I’ve been with Lehigh for 14 years,” Herb said. “I’m extremely excited to contribute in a way I haven’t before.”

For five years beginning in 1998, Herb also served as a member of the U.S. National Swimming Team staff and on their executive board. He was head coach of the 2002 U.S. National Select Training Camp, based in Boulder, Colo., where he worked directly with many of the top American swimmers and their coaches.

“I think this opportunity will be challenging, but one of the most rewarding in my life,” Herb explains.

Rob Herb graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., in 1990 with a bachelor’s in chemistry. He then earned his master’s in education from Lehigh in 1994. He resides in Bethlehem.