The U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation merged its men’s and women’s bobsled teams under one head coach, meaning women’s coach Todd Hays lost his job three months after the Sochi Olympics.
Brian Shimer, previously the men’s coach, now coaches both the men and women.
USBSF CEO Darrin Steele called Hays’ departure a “structural decision” that was “very difficult.”
Hays, a 2002 U.S. Olympic silver medalist bobsled driver, led the women’s program since 2011. The women’s team gained increased attention over that time with crossover track athletes Lolo Jones and Lauryn Williams.
The U.S. won two women’s bobsled medals for the first time at the Sochi Olympics. Elana Meyers won silver with Williams as her push athlete, while Jamie Greubel and Aja Evans won bronze.
Jones, with driver Jazmine Fenlator, placed 11th.
Meyers and Fenlator are expected to keep driving, and Greubel could, too. Katie Eberling, controversially left off the Olympic team as a push athlete, is switching to driving.
Williams has all but retired. Jones’ bobsled future is unclear as she’s focusing on track this summer. Evans, a college shot putter, is back in track and field as a heptathlete and may try for the Rio Olympics.