Jeff Garbutt, a South Jersey native who helped the Iowa women's rowing program to three straight NCAA Championship appearances, begins his first season at the helm of the La Salle men's and women's teams in 2020-21.
During his time with the Hawkeyes, Garbutt helped Iowa reach heights the program had not seen before. In 2017, the team broke a 16-year NCAA Championship drought and placed 12th nationally. The following year, the Hawkeyes ascended to a No. 7 national ranking, the highest in program history, placed a program-best fourth in the Big Ten and set a school scoring record at NCAA's, placing 11th.
Garbutt was selected as a member of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Region Four Staff of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.
"I would like to take this moment to thank Dr. Colleen Hanycz, Mr. Brian Baptiste and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead La Salle University's men's crew and women's rowing programs," Garbutt said. "Having grown up in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area, it is an honor to be able to return to Philly, Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River. I am beyond excited to get the team back on campus and get to work."
Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks in 2013 as an assistant at the University of Miami, Garbutt spent more than a decade developing high school talent in New Jersey. As the head girls coach at Mainland High School, he helped the Senior 4 take home the New Jersey/Philadelphia City Championship in 2012 and a New Jersey State Championship in 2013.
The Senior 4 also placed runner-up in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship and the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in 2012.
He was the head girls coach at Ocean City High School from 2004-08, where he led the team to several city, state and national championship titles. As the head coach at The Hun School of Princeton (1996-01), he helped the Girls Junior 4 win the Stotesbury Cup Championships in 2000 and 2001.
Garbutt's journey in the sport began at Atlantic City High School, where he rowed for his father, Bob. Over his illustrious career, Bob Garbutt built one of the top high school programs in the country, winning 13 national championships, eight Stotesbury Cup titles, and a runner-up finish at the famed Henley Regatta in England in 1994.
From there, Garbutt rowed collegiately at Temple and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1995. He served as a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol for two decades.
Garbutt and his wife, Hope, have one son, J.J., a member of the track & field team at Marquette University.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...
"We are ecstatic that Jeff and his family will be joining us at La Salle. The rich tradition of the Garbutt family in the sport of rowing, coupled with his winning track record and his commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes, makes him an outstanding choice to oversee our men's and women's rowing programs." - La Salle Director of Athletics & Recreation Brian Baptiste
"I would like to offer Jeff my sincere congratulations on his new position as Head Coach of La Salle University Rowing. Jeff has demonstrated proven success coaching men and women on both the High School and Collegiate level. Jeff comes from an esteemed rowing family, most notably his dad, Bob, who is one of the icons of our sport. I'm sure Jeff will bring some of that 'Garbutt magic' to La Salle and I wish him nothing but the best!" - Mike Teti, U.S. Head Men's Rowing Coach
"Jeff is a tremendous addition to the La Salle Athletic Department and I can't think of a better fit. He is bringing deep experience to the rowing program, not only as a competitor and coach, but as a member of one of the most noted rowing families in the region. Jeff's competitive days as a schoolboy in South Jersey, as a varsity oarsman at Temple, and as a high school coach in the area gives him a deep knowledge of the rowing landscape in Philadelphia and New Jersey. I'm confident that's going to be a huge asset at La Salle as he guides the Explorers into their next chapter. After seven years of working with him here at the University of Iowa, I know Jeff is ready lead and I'm excited to see the impact he's going to have at La Salle." - Andrew Carter, Head Women's Rowing Coach, University of Iowa
"Jeff's dedication to both student-athlete success and the sport of rowing will undoubtedly make an immediate impact at La Salle. His positive energy, values, and tireless work ethic are unparalleled. The Explorers made an exceptional hire."Â - Henry Archuleta, Assistant AD / Compliance Services, Clemson University
