WASHINGTON – Georgetown University Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed has named Jim Granger as the new head coach of the men's rowing program. Granger comes to the Hilltop from Florida Institute of Technology where he was the head men's rowing coach for the past 15 years.
 
Granger joins the Hoyas after helping FlT earn its fourth Dad Vail Regatta Championships in the men's varsity eight event in 2015 and 2016 as well as two wins in men's championship four in 2013 and 2022. From 2010 through 2016, FIT was the only program to medal at the Dad Vails in the men's varsity eight every year.
 
The Alexandria, Virginia native was awarded the Jim Joy North American Coach of the Year honor in 2012 after the men's varsity eight clinched three silver and one bronze medal at the Dad Vail over four years. Granger holds nine Southern Collegiate Rowing Association championships (2009-11, 2013, 2015-19) and his team qualified for the IRA National Championship from 2013 through 2019. In 2011, his squad traveled to the UK to compete in the prestigious Royal Henley Regatta on the River Thames. Granger's collegiate eight also won the Head of the Charles in 2010.
 
Granger turned the FIT rowing program into a top-20 collegiate program over his tenure at the university and oversaw many athletes who have gone on to pursue further academic and athletic careers after graduating from the team and university. 
 
"I, as well as my family, are excited and overjoyed to be a part of Georgetown Athletics," Granger said. "The tradition of rowing on the Hilltop is among the best in the nation. A special thank you to Lee Reed and Pat McArdle for their time and the opportunity they have extended to me to become the next head coach. I'm looking forward to meeting the team in person and working with all those involved in making this program a top-tier competitive squad."
 
Before his time with FIT, Granger headed the men's rowing team for his high school alma mater, Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2004, while at TJHS, he was awarded The Washington Post's Men's Rowing All-Met Coach of the Year honor and won the national championship and the Stotesbury Championships in 2004, 2006 and 2007. In 2003 and 2004, he coached the team to a National Capital Area Championship. From 2002-07, Granger helped them to the Virginia State Championships. His high school squad was also invited to compete in the Royal Henley Regatta which they attended in 2004, 2006 and 2007.  
 
Outside of coaching, Granger founded the Cerulean Boat Club to serve the Virginia communities' need for junior and intermediate rowing programs. His boat club was created after he served as the director of junior programs for Northern Virginia Rowing Club where he was in charge of overseeing the training and education of 100 youth rowers and six coaches. 
 
Granger earned his bachelor of arts in biology from Boston University where he was a four-year member of its Division I men's rowing team. Granger is currently pursuing his Master's in organizational leadership from FIT.
 
What Others Are Saying About Jim Granger …
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed
"I'm pleased to have Jim Granger and family returning to the DMV and joining our Hoya family as the new men's rowing coach. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program, and his local ties to DC rowing will be an asset to the program as well as the rowing community."
 
Tony Johnson, Former Georgetown Men's Rowing Coach Emeritus
"I am excited - for Jim and for Georgetown crew. I look forward to watching Jim work with the Hoyas; I know they will be enthusiastic to respond and work with him. It's going to be fun watching the crews row and supporting them."