Tallahassee, Fla. -- Florida State Director of Athletics Randy Spetman announced Friday that head swimming coach Neil Harper will not return as the Seminoles' coach next season.
"The decision to make a change in our swimming program was very difficult," said Spetman. "We believe that our program can be more successful and at this time needs to go in a different direction. Coach Harper and his family have meant so much to Florida State and we appreciate his dedication and commitment to our swimming program. He's an exceptional person and we wish him nothing but the best and thank him for his sacrifices in a very demanding profession."
FSU will begin a national search for a new swimming coach immediately but no timetable for filling the position has been established.
Coach Harper led the program for 14 years. The Seminoles finished 23rd and 31st nationally in men's and women's swimming respectively this season and both teams were fourth at the ACC Championships. He coached 69 All-Americans and 93 ACC Champions over his 14- year tenure.