Legendary U-M Diving Coach Dick Kimball Passes Away at Age 91
4/27/2026 2:59:00 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Dick Kimball, the longtime head diving coach at the University of Michigan from 1960-2002, died at age 91. One of the most accomplished coaches and athletes in the history of the sport, Kimball left a lasting impact on generations during his time in coaching.
Kimball led the Michigan diving program for 43 seasons, guiding the Wolverines to 33 Big Ten championships and five NCAA championships during his tenure.
Kimball also found tremendous success in coaching on the international stage, serving on staff for Team USA for the 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Kimball coached nine Olympic medal winners, including five golds.
Before his coaching career, Kimball was a standout athlete. He earned three All-America honors in diving and captured national titles on both the one-meter and three-meter springboards in 1957. He also won a national championship as part of the men's gymnastics team on the trampoline and earned three varsity letters.
Kimball received numerous accolades throughout his career, including two NCAA Diving Coach of the Year honors and four Big Ten Diving Coach of the Year awards. He was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1985, and in 1986 became the first coach to receive the Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy from the CSCAA.
Known for his personality as much as his success, Kimball brought a spirit of joy and fun to the diving world. Kimball was known for belly flopping off the 10-meter platform at Canham Natatorium fully clothed after Big Ten Championships.
