Bob Hackett joined the Emory University Swimming and Diving coaching staff as a volunteer coach for the 2017-18 season before joining the staff full-time in the summer of 2018.

Hackett joins the Eagles with an extensive swimming background. He was the world record holder in the 800 Freestyle from 1976-1979 and competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics at the age of 16, taking home the silver medal in the 1,500 Freestyle. He still holds one of the oldest National Age Group records, a 15:03.91 in the 1,500 LCM freestyle, set back in 1976.

He later attended Harvard University and enjoyed an illustrious career with the Crimson. Hackett helped Harvard to Ivy League titles all four years and was a seven-time Ivy League Champion including a three-time winner in the 1,500 Freestyle. By the time he graduated, he held eight different school records and won the 1981 William J. Bingham Award.

Hackett was inducted into the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2000.