Longtime Union College head swimming coach Scott Felix was relieved of his duties last week after more than 20 years with the program.
Felix was dismissed last Wednesday, first reported by the Times Union, while in the midst of his 21st season with the team, having started back in the 2001-02 season.
The move was not formally addressed by the school, but Union Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin did confirm Felix was “no longer employed by Union College” to the Times Union on Thursday.
Dirk Francois is now listed as the interim head coach for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Confirmed by Union AD today, Scott Felix out as mens and womens sub swim&dive coach after 21 years @UnionAthletics .
Felix out just 5 days after hockey coach Rick Bennett resigned after being put on admin leave.
College has turned over 12 head coaches of 24 varsity pgms since ’18— Sean Martin (@Sean_Martin77) February 4, 2022
Felix reportedly declined to comment to the Times Union but did say he had been put on administrative leave just before Christmas due to a complaint on his coaching style.
Felix’s departure came just days after Union men’s hockey coach Rick Bennett announced his resignation on Jan. 28. It’s unclear if the two coaching changes are at all related.
During Felix’s tenure, the Union men placed as high as 14th at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2003, while the women’s highest finish was 32nd (2008). He also led the Dutchmen and Dutchwomen to a combined four Liberty League Championship titles.
The teams are scheduled to compete at the 2022 Liberty League Championships in Ithaca, N.Y., Feb. 16-19.
Scott is a good man. Sad to see him off the deck for now.
When the government shut down in 2019, and my pay was halted for 35 days, he reached out and offered to help financially. That is the type of person he is. There is little he won’t do for an athlete and colleague and a friend.
I just want to thank Coach Felix for everything he has done for me and fellow alumni. This news comes as a surprise because I appreciate the way he cares for the students. He mentored us beyond our four years and for that I am grateful.