TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Glenn Putyrae has made the decision to step down as head coach of Alabama rowing following his seventh season at the helm.

“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 arrived in Tuscaloosa in June of 2018 following his second stint as head coach at Gonzaga. The 2019 Big 12 Coach of the Year guided the Tide to its first appearance in the NCAA Championship regatta in 2021 and led Alabama to a trio of second-place finishes (2019, 2021, 2022) and a pair of top-three finishes (2023, 2024) at the Big 12 Championships.

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.

Academically, the Tide has had 31 Collegiate Rowing Association Scholar Athletes under Putyrae’s watch along with two CSC Academic All-Americans.

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

A national search will begin immediately for the Crimson Tide’s next head coach.