The Arizona Republic has confirmed that Bob Bowman, coach of the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, will indeed be announced as Arizona State University’s head swimming coach at a press conference set for noon local time today.

The North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) CEO/head coach’s name recently emerged as a possible candidate following the firing of previous coach Dorsey Tierney-Walker. However, Bowman left the prospect fairly wide open when in Mesa for the latest Pro Swim Series, stating “It seems like there is good potential there. I’ll talk to everybody who contacts me.”

As six-time USA Swimming Coach of the Year, Bowman obviously brings a huge vault of experience to the ASU helm, including the role of U.S. head coach at the 2007, 2009 and 2013 World Championships and has served on every major U.S. National team staff since 2001.

Bowman took a sidestep from his role at NBAC to coach at the University of Michigan from 2005 – 2008, which resulted in Michael Phelps following Bowman and training in Ann Arbor, Michigan in between the Athens and Beijing Olympics. As such, with Rio on the horizon, it is likely Michael Phelps will once again follow his coach and mentor and set-up camp at ASU as well.

ASU had actually dismantled the men’s swimming program in 2008 due to financial reasons, however, the loyal backing of boosters’ funds were able to kick the program back into gear. Additionally, ASU, has invested more than $1 million in Mona Plummer Aquatic Center improvements. (AZ Central)

With a top tier coach arriving on the scene, and quite possibly the 22-Olympic medalist Phelps in tow, ASU seems primed to move forward on a refreshed path in the PAC-12 and NCAA.