Marshall University Athletics
Marshall’s Ian Walsh Resigns As Herd Swim & Dive Coach
6/1/2026 10:15:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
National search will begin immediately to find replacement for head coach
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Swim and Dive Head Coach Ian Walsh has resigned his position as leader of the Herd, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison announced on Sunday.
"On behalf of Marshall University and Herd Athletics, I want to sincerely thank Coach Ian Walsh for his leadership, dedication, and the many contributions he has made to our Swimming and Diving program," Harrison said. "Ian has helped elevate this program both in and out of the pool, and he leaves it in a stronger position than when he arrived. His commitment to the development of our student-athletes, their academic success, and the culture of the program has had a lasting impact on Marshall University. We are grateful not only to Ian, but to the entire Walsh family for embracing our community and running with The Herd."
Walsh spent eight seasons as head coach at Marshall, leading the program to academic and athletic success during his tenure.
"What an honor and privilege it has been to lead this program and be part of this amazing community," Walsh said. "Our family has created so many wonderful memories we will carry for the rest of our lives. I am grateful for Marshall's administration taking the chance on a young assistant coach nine years ago. What a journey it has been! I have appreciated all the support from the Marshall leadership over the years."
Harrison said a national search will begin immediately to find Walsh's replacement as the leader of the Marshall Swim & Dive program.
"As we look to the future, we have already begun a national search for the next leader of Marshall Swimming and Diving," Harrison said. "While we have established an aggressive timeline to identify our next head coach, we will not compromise on finding the right fit for our student-athletes and our university. The next leader of this program must fully embrace the tenets of the Herd Mentality, understand that the student-athlete experience is our highest priority, and possess the vision and determination necessary to compete for championships. Marshall Swimming and Diving has a bright future, and we are committed to identifying a coach who will build upon the strong foundation that has been established and continue moving this program forward."
Over the last eight seasons, Walsh's teams broke 21 school records and crowned 17 swimmers as individual conference champions.
In the 2025-26 season, Marshall competed as a member of the American Conference for the first time with swimmer Lauren McNamara becoming the program's first-ever American Conference Individual Champion in the 200 Butterfly while establishing the program record in the category.
McNamara was later selected to represent Team USA at the 2026 FISU America Games, becoming the first Marshall swimmer or diver to represent the program internationally.
Academically, the program received CSCAA Scholar All-American status in each semester since Walsh's arrival as head coach in 2018.
"To all the athletes I had the great fortune to work with, you helped create a legacy and tradition here in Huntington," Walsh said. "You taught me just as much, if not more, about this sport than I feel I imparted on you. The process of becoming has always been the reward, and I'm blessed to have been a part of your process. Our family is incredibly grateful for our time here, and Huntington will always have a special place in our hearts."
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