Crimson Tide Rowing Coach Glenn Putyrae Steps Down After Seven Seasons

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama rowing head coach Glenn Putyrae on Monday announced he will step down following his seventh season.

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“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as head coach of Alabama rowing for the past seven years,” Putyrae said. “This decision did not come easily, however it was the right one for us at this time to be more available and present for my family. I’m proud of our accomplishments on the water and in the classroom and appreciate the student-athletes and staff for their contributions to the program and for laying the foundation for future success.”

Putyrae's tenure in Tuscaloosa began in June of 2018 following his second stint as head coach at Gonzaga and earned the 2019 Big 12 Coach of the Year award after guiding the Tide to its first appearance in the NCAA Championship regatta in 2021.

He also led Alabama to a trio of second-place finishes — 2019, 2021, 2022 — and a pair of top-three finishes in 2023 and 2024 at the Big 12 Championships.

UA Athletics said Putyrae’s teams have spent multiple weeks in the Pocock CRCA Top 25 poll while also boasting 17 All-Big 12 honorees and the program’s first All-American.

“We appreciate Coach Putyrae and all he’s helped contribute to Alabama rowing over the last seven years,” Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne said. “He took our program to new heights, and we wish Glenn and his family all the best going forward.”

Byrne said a national search will begin immediately for Putyrae’s replacement.

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