Lafayette College Removes Interim Tag from Mike Rinde; Named Head Coach of Leopards
Lafayette College has removed the interim tag from Mike Rinde, naming him as the 13th head coach in the program’s history. Rinde took over on an interim basis after Jim Dailey announced his retirement in early August, following 32 years as the Leopards’ coach. Dailey will remain connected to the program as a special advisor.
“We are very excited to announce Mike Rinde as the new head coach for Lafayette swimming and diving,” said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. “Throughout the candidate review process, Mike’s knowledge and passion for the program stood out. He truly cares about our student-athletes and wants to see them to continue their success in the pool and in the classroom. In two seasons, he has developed strong relationships and we’re confident that he can take the reins and continue the legacy of excellence in academics and continuous improvement in the pool that has been indicative of our swimming and diving program.”
Rinde spent two years as an assistant coach to Dailey, a period that saw Lafayette swimmers break 39 school records and record 160 new entries into the school’s all-time top1-0 performances list. The program also excelled academically, earning Scholar All-America recognition from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
“I would like to thank Sherryta, the entire leadership team and the selection committee, for this incredible opportunity,” Rinde said. “Their support for me during the process and for the program has been incredible. Over the last two seasons, I have had the immense privilege of learning from one of the most impactful figures in my life, Jim Dailey. Soaking up the rich history, deep tradition and culture of this program alongside him has been an incredible gift. It is the greatest honor of my coaching career to accept and represent Lafayette College swimming and diving as the next head coach. The future is very bright for the programs and I can’t wait to start the 2026-27 season. I look forward to seeing you at our meets.”
Before joining the Lafayette program, Rinde coached at Lehigh for two years and was the head coach and program director for the Parkland Swimming Club.
Rinde earned his bachelor of science degree in health and wellness from SUNY Buffalo State College in 2010.