Report: Jim McLaughlin to be named head coach for Notre Dame volleyball

According to a Seattle Times report, Jim McLaughlin, a coach who built the University of Washington volleyball program into a national power, has told his players he is stepping down after 14 seasons to take the same position at Notre Dame.

In 2004, McLaughlin led Washington tothe first of three straight Final Four appearances and was named AVCA national coach of the year. Washington won its first national title in 2005 and he became the first coach to win both a women’s title and men’s title (USC, 1990).

McLaughlin, 54, reportedly gave his team news of his pending departure on Jan. 8, the Times reported and their sources confirmed that McLaughlin has had individual meetings with Notre Dame players this week.

McLaughlin replaces Debbie Brown, who was let go Dec. 4 after 24 years in South Bend and a 6-23 record last season.

McLaughlin was Brown’s assistant at Notre Dame in 1996.