Mark Gangloff Inks Three-Year Extension at North Carolina
North Carolina head coach Mark Gangloff agreed to a three-year contract extension through June 30, 2029.
The university announced the extension on Monday.
“Mark has done an outstanding job elevating both our men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs and routinely has our teams ranked in the Top 25,” Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a press release. “In addition to their consistent growth in the pool, our swimmers and divers continue to be terrific representatives of the University in the classroom and community. We’re very happy that Mark will continue to lead those programs for years to come.”
Gangloff was hired in 2019. The men’s team finished 19th at NCAAs this year, the Tar Heels’ highest finish since 2015. The women’s team was 10th in 2023, the best since 2001.
“It’s so special to serve as the head swimming and diving coach at a place like North Carolina and I’m excited for what’s to come for our program,” Gangloff said. “We continue to attract some of the top young athletes both nationally and internationally, and we’re seeing that success payoff as we challenge in the ACC, at the NCAA meets, and on the international stage. I also believe that a place like Carolina attracts the best and brightest, and when you combine that with the tradition in our program, we have a chance to compete each time we hit the pool. I want to thank Chancellor Roberts, Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham, Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark, the Board of Trustees, and countless others who are dedicated to providing our young people a first-class experience, while competing for championships.”
Gangloff has overseen more than 100 All-Americans in his coaching tenure. The program has set 50 school records in the last two seasons alone. Thirteen Tar Heels combined for 12 medals at world and regional competitions, and three swimmers are U.S. National Teamers. Eight swimmers qualified for U.S. Olympic Trials in 2024.
Gangloff will be making changes to his staff after last week’s departure of Kirk Kumbier, an associate head coach on staff since 2022. He departed to join Club Wolverine in Michigan.
“It is impressive to see how Mark has used his background and experiences as an Olympic athlete to help our young men and women compete both at the collegiate and international levels,” said Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark, who will transition to AD this year. “Our swimming and diving programs at Carolina have rich histories, and it’s clear that Mark is committed to positively adding to that history.”
Gangloff, who swam at Auburn, won a pair of Olympic gold medals in the medley relay in 2004 and 2008. He won five World Championships medley relay golds (three long-course, two short-course) plus silver in the 50 breast at Worlds in 2005 and bronze in 2009.
