Conley Departs for Head Coaching Role at Old Dominion

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following an impactful 12 years in Bethlehem, Lehigh head rowing coach Brian Conley was named the head women's rowing coach at Old Dominion, as announced by ODU on Wednesday. Conley's leadership wasn't just felt within the rowing program, but also within the Lehigh Athletics department as a whole. During his time, he helped the Mountain Hawks' women's and men's programs develop into contenders in the Patriot League and MARC, respectively, with a strong foundation and culture that should carry forward for years to come.

Conley's improvement of the Lehigh program over his 12 years was a defining point of him taking on a program at ODU looking to improve in the American Conference.

"During Brian's tenure at Lehigh, our rowing team experienced competitive success," said associate athletic director and rowing sport administrator Stacy Shiffert. "The student-athletes are successful in personal development, as evident by varying levels of involvement with our program by recent alums. That is a testament to Brian's commitment to 'Learn, Grow, Lead' and the mission and values of our department and the university. Brian did a great job of cultivating relationships with past alums and honoring their legacy to our program.

"I am sad to see Brian leave us, but I know the opportunity at ODU is one he cannot pass up," Shiffert continued. "I wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his career."

In Conley's time, he helped the Mountain Hawks continually raise the bar. He began from the ground up in building a foundation and it has paid off, especially in recent years. In 2018, Lehigh women's rowing captured its first two medals at the Patriot League Championships, winning bronze in the Varsity Four and Second Varsity Eight. The following year, all three boats (also the Varsity Eight) all made the grand finals at Patriots for the first time.

After the 2020 championships were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Varsity Eight had its highest-ever finish (fourth) at the 2021 championships. Then this past May, the Varsity Eight continued to excel. The crew finished fourth in a highly-competitive grand final, while it was also the Varsity Eight's best-ever finish with nine crews participating. In addition, the V8 defeated Georgetown for the first time in program history, while it was just over five seconds behind Navy – the Mountain Hawks' tightest-ever margin against the Midshipmen.

"It has been an honor to have led the Lehigh rowing community the past 12 years," said Conley. "Thank you to the student-athletes for their willingness to 'bring it' every day in the classroom and at practice. Their buy-in is why we continuously improved each year. Thank you for the support from the Lehigh Rowing Partnership. The passion from our alums, families and friends continues to be transformational to the experience our student-athletes have each year."

The men's team enjoyed its fair share of success as well, including multiple medals at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta. Most recently, in the program's first-ever season in the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference in 2021-22, the Mountain Hawks nearly captured Gold in the premiere event – the Varsity Eight – falling just three tenths of a second short.

For all the success of Lehigh rowing in Conley's time, on and off the water, he also made his mark across the department and university.

"Brian's leadership in the department, mentorship of young coaches, incredible personality and friendship to many of us will be sorely missed," said head men's soccer coach Dean Koski. "In spite of his departure, we are all very excited about this next coaching chapter for Brian and we know he will do great things at ODU.

"On behalf of the entire department, good luck Brian and don't forget about us!"

A search for the next Steven and Karen Lee Head Rowing Coach will begin immediately.

"I want to especially thank Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett, Associate Athletic Director Stacy Shiffert, and the entire athletics department family for the past 12 years for their friendship and mentorship," said Conley. "All of my time here has helped me become a better coach and I know it has prepared me for this next step in my career. I hope to make Lehigh proud. The Lehigh rowing family will always be in my heart and I look forward to seeing Lehigh rowing continue to rise within the Patriot League and the MARC."

Completed Event: Women's Rowing versus Patriot League Championships on May 15, 2026 , , 8th of 9

Completed Event: Women's Rowing at Colgate on May 2, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Women's Rowing at Lake Wheeler Invite on April 24, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Women's Rowing at Knecht Cup on April 11, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Women's Rowing at Drexel and George Washington on April 4, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Women's Rowing versus Mountain Hawk Invite on March 28, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Women's Rowing versus Class Day Regatta on November 1, 2025 ,

Lehigh University Athletics

Conley Departs for Head Coaching Role at Old Dominion

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