Newport Harbor lands Olympian Lynn as coach

Robert Lynn, the water polo coach at Harvard-Westlake of North Hollywood and an assistant with the U.S. national men’s team, is Newport Harbor’s new boys water polo and swim coach, Newport Harbor principal Michael Vossen announced late Friday night.

“Coach Lynn comes to us with impeccable credentials that helped make him a unanimous choice with our interview panel,” Vossen said in a statement.

“His extensive experience in the sport and strong affiliation with the U.S. national team will be a tremendous asset to our program. We look forward to working with Coach Lynn and supporting him as he takes the helm of a proud tradition at Harbor High.”

Lynn is considered one of the brightest water polo minds in the United States. He recently became co-head coach of the U.S. men’s junior team with Guy Baker.

The Long Beach resident also received strong reviews for his role with the silver-medal winning U.S. men’s Olympic team in 2008. The team claimed a medal for the first time since 1988.

As a player, Lynn was an Olympian in 2000 and played professionally in Europe for 12 years. He played high school at Long Beach Wilson and college at USC.

Lynn coached at Harvard-Westlake the past two seasons. He guided the girls to the CIF-SS Division 4 title this past season. The boys compiled a 29-19 record under Lynn and reached the Division 1 quarterfinals twice.

Harvard-Westlake announced Lynn's resignation earlier Friday.

“I would like to thank Harvard-Westlake for all of the support they have given me over the past two years,” Lynn said in a statement released by Harvard-Westlake. “I will cherish the memories we created as program and all of the success we enjoyed. Our students are amazing and they have made me a better coach.

"Leaving Harvard-Westlake was a very difficult decision, but my new job allows me to be closer to home and spend more time with my family.”

Harvard-Westlake thanked Lynn for his service to the school.

“We appreciate all that Robert has given to our water polo program over the past two years,” Head of Athletics Audrius Barzdukas said in a statement. “We are in a better place because of his efforts.

"The search for our new coach will begin immediately and we pledge to uphold the proud water polo tradition of Harvard-Westlake as we move forward.”

Lynn replaces Jason Lynch, who was relieved of his duties in April.

Lynch started at Newport Harbor in the fall of 2001 and guided the Sailors to Division 1 titles in boys water polo and swimming.

Lynch and Lynn are strong coaching allies. Both helped create the Ironman Water Polo League, a strong off-season league. Lynch remains the coach of the U.S. men’s youth team, one spot below the U.S. juniors.

Vossen said Lynn will start "immediately." Lynn coached at Marina prior to Harvard-Westlake.