ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk announced today that the Tom and Candy Knudson Director of Rowing and heavyweight rowing coach Rob Friedrich will move to an administrative role within the athletic department. 
 
"First, my sincere gratitude to Rob for 23 years on the Severn and his extensive accomplishments leading our midshipmen to many moral, mental and physical successes as our head coach," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk.  "From an undefeated season to winning the Kings Cup at the Henley Regatta, he directly influenced the lives of hundreds of midshipmen that benefited from his leadership and inspiration.  With opportunities available on the administrative staff, I applaud Rob for his ambition to address a new chapter in his professional career. He has proven to be a highly effective administrator as well as coach and new challenges await as he transitions to an even broader role of influence within the NAAA."
 
"I am incredibly excited for this new opportunity to support Navy Athletics and the Brigade of Midshipmen," said Friedrich. "It was a tough decision to step away from coaching, but I believe this move is best for myself and my family. I believe in everything we do here at Navy and I am motivated to start this new journey. I want to thank Mr. Gladchuk and all of our alumni for believing in me and what I can bring to this great community."
 
Friedrich has been a part of the Navy rowing program for 23 years, serving as the lightweight head coach for seven years, the senior associate head coach for heavyweight rowing for four seasons and the head coach of the heavyweight program for 12 years.  He was named the Tom & Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing in November of 2021.
 
Friedrich posted a 69-52 record as the heavyweight coach including an 8-2 record in 2014 and an 8-3 mark in 2019.  Following that strong spring result in 2019, he led a mixed gender team of Navy heavyweight, lightweight and women's rowers to the Kings Cup title at the Henley Royal Regatta in July. The Mids finished 7-4 this year and placed 13^th at the IRA National Championship.
 
Friedrich's best season was in 2021 when the Mids were ranked inside the top-12 of the national coaches' poll for the entire regular season and closed out the slate at the IRA National Championships with top-10 results by their first, second and third varsity eights, as well as by their varsity four. Navy's quality and depth helped it finish sixth overall in the Ten Eyck team point standings.
 
In his four seasons as senior associate head coach, Friedrich coached the freshman boats to a combined 66-10 record.  He guided the top freshman boat to a fourth-place finish at the 2011 EARC Championships, which was the highest placing for a Navy plebe crew in 15 seasons.
 
The highlight of Friedrich's seven-year tenure as the lightweight coach came in 2004 when he led the Mids to an undefeated regular season and won the championship at the Eastern Sprints and the IRA National Championship.  The win at the Eastern Sprints was Navy's first in 42 years.  Friedrich was named the EARC Coach of the Year.
 
The Naval Academy Athletic Association will begin a national search immediately for the dual role of the Tom & Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing and head coach of the heavyweight rowing program.