Marquette Athletics announced Jan. 14 that previous track and field head coach Bert Rogers would be promoted to director of both the track and field and cross country teams. Interim head coach Sean Birren was also promoted to permanent cross country head coach.
Long-time cross country head coach and track and field assistant Mike Nelson departed three weeks before the season started, prompting these promotions.
This left the program with a vacancy and prompted a search for an interim for the season and for permanent options after the season ended. Athletic director Bill Scholl hired Sean Birren, who had previously been a volunteer with the program, making him a familiar face to the returning athletes.