Toledo, Ohio – University of Toledo director of cross country and track & field Linh Nguyen has stepped down from his position to become the head coach for cross country and track at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

"I would like to thank (Athletic Director) Mike O'Brien and (Senior Associate Athletic Director) Kelly Andrews for the opportunity to be a part of something very special the last six years," said Nguyen. "I could not have asked for a better environment, support, and institution. Toledo is a top-notch university and athletic department, and I am proud to have been a part of it. I would also like to thank all the athletes that trusted me to be their coach and guide their careers. I've met some tremendous people here who will impact my life forever."

"Emory is a very unique opportunity for me to go back to my roots in Division III at one of the elite institutions at that level," added Nguyen. "It also brings my wife back to her hometown and allows us to live next to our family in Atlanta." 

During Nguyen's six seasons at Toledo, the Rockets sent a total of 14 athletes to compete at the NCAA track and field preliminary and championship rounds. Nguyen also coached the Rockets to a third-place finish at the 2018 MAC outdoor track & field championships, led by Janelle Noe, who broke the MAC record in the 1500-meter (4:10.83).

On the cross country course, Nguyen was named 2014 MAC Women's Coach of the Year. The Rockets claimed the 2014 MAC Championships title after falling short by three points in Nguyen's rookie season in 2013. Nguyen led the Rockets to upsets over No. 8 Michigan and No. 19 Ohio State at the 2014 NCAA Regionals. Nguyen also led the Rockets' women's team to second-place finishes in 2017 and 2018 MAC Championship meets. Nguyen was named the 2018 Division I Ohio Women's Coach of the Year in a vote by the Ohio collegiate cross country coaches.

Academically, Nguyen's teams consistently posted strong grade point averages. For the spring 2019 term, the women's cross country team earned a collective GPA of 3.605, the sixth consecutive semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additionally, the women's track team posted a 3.524 GPA last spring.

O'Brien said a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.