Update: Jerry Schumacher named Oregon Ducks track and field coach

Jerry Schumacher, the longtime coach of the successful Bowerman Track Club professional training group, was named the coach of the Oregon track and field and cross country programs Monday.

The hire, first reported Sunday night by running website LetsRun.com and reporter Doug Binder of DyeStat.com, comes nearly three weeks after Oregon announced it was not retaining coach Robert Johnson, who wrapped up his 10th season as head coach in June.

“Track and field at the University of Oregon is unique in so many ways, from its incomparable history of success to the unparalleled support of the TrackTown community,” Schumacher was quoted as saying a statement released by the athletic department. “(Oregon athletic director) Rob Mullens and I share a common vision for the future of the program, and I’m grateful that he and his staff trust me to execute that vision. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the program into the future and can’t wait to start working with the incredible student-athletes at the University of Oregon.”

The job marks a return to the college ranks for Schumacher, 51, who was the men’s distance and cross country coach at Wisconsin from 1998-2008.

For the last 14 years he has been the coach for the distance-focused, Nike-sponsored, Portland-based Bowerman Track Club, where he has coached 28 Olympians, 10 Olympic and World Championship medalists, and was the 2017 USATF coach of the year.

His BTC team will have 11 athletes competing in 14 events at the World Athletics Championships, which begins Friday at Hayward Field. That includes U.S. women’s 10,000-meter champion Karissa Schweizer and 5,000 champions Grant Fisher and Elise Cranny.

Other members of his current team include American steeplechase record holders Evan Jager and Courtney Frerichs, and Canadian Moh Ahmed, who was the 2020 Olympic men’s 5,000 silver medalist in the 5,000.

More:University of Oregon won't retain track and field coach Robert Johnson

“Jerry Schumacher is a world-class track and field leader with a unique ability to build a dynamic team atmosphere to support a first-class experience for the athletes,” Mullens said. “He understands the modern athlete, the importance of building connection and developing young people to their fullest potential. His commitment to the athlete through his tireless work ethic is well known and we are excited that his leadership and passion will add to the tremendous legacy of the Oregon track and field and cross country programs.”

According to LetsRun, Schumacher will continue to coach his training group. Whether that means from afar or if BTC will relocate to Eugene is unclear. Also unclear is the status of BTC assistant coaches Shalane Flanagan and Pascal Dobert.

Flanagan, the four-time Olympian and 2017 New York City Marathon winner would be a high-profile addition to the Ducks’ coaching staff if she chooses to followed Schumacher to Oregon.

“Jerry has been my coach and mentor for the last 13 years and I believe what separates him as a coach is his infectious enthusiasm, commitment and energy that he brings to his athletes,” Flanagan wrote in statement. “The incredible opportunity to lead one of the greatest track and field programs in the nation is not lost on him, and I know he will give his absolute best to the student-athletes and coaching staff at the University of Oregon.”

He’ll be following a coach in Johnson who led the Ducks to 14 national titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and dominated the Pac-12, winning 15 straight men’s outdoor conference titles 10 of the last 13 women’s titles.

Still unknown is if Oregon’s remaining assistants — Helen Lehman-Winters (associate head coach women’s distance), Ben Thomas (associate head coach men’s distance), Curtis Taylor (associate head coach sprints, hurdles, relays), Erik Whitsitt (throws) and Seth Henson (multis-events, vertical jumps) — will be part of the coaching staff.

Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Jerry Schumacher named as Oregon Ducks track and field coach