CHICAGO – Tim Loeffler has decided to step away from his role as head coach of the UIC men's and women's swimming and diving programs. 
 
"To have the coaching career I have had, all by the time I am 35 years old is a blessing and an opportunity I'll never forget," said Loeffler. "Thank you to my mentors, coaches and supporters as I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. To my student-athletes, past and current, and to the coaches who have worked on staff, especially Susan [Bromberg] and Ashley [Dell], the memories I have with you will leave a lasting impact on my life and you will always be family to me.
 
"It's time for me to focus on myself and my own well-being," said Loeffler. "I know everything I have learned in my coaching career will help me in my next chapter."
 
"On behalf of the entire Flames Family, we thank Tim for all his contributions to UIC, Flames swimming and diving, and the Chicagoland swimming community," said director of athletics Michael Lipitz. "We wish him well as he embarks on this next personal and professional chapter."
 
The Flames set several records and won multiple individual event championships since Loeffler's arrival in 2014. He was named Horizon League Men's Swimming Coach of the Year in 2017. At the last month's Horizon League Championships, UIC collected two individual crowns in the pool and three more in diving. The 2020-21 season was especially memorable as the women's team finished as runners-up at the conference championship for the best finish in program history.
 
UIC will conduct a comprehensive national search for its next head men's and women's swimming and diving coach. Susan Bromberg, associate head coach and head diving coach, has been at UIC since 2008 and will lead the program in the interim.