University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Jimmy Francis joined the University of Central Oklahoma rowing program as an assistant coach in August of 2021 and has since been instrumental in maintaining the Bronchos prominence in collegiate rowing. 

In August 2024, Francis was appointed interim head coach of the UCO rowing program, following the departure of the previous head coach. His leadership and dedication continue to drive the Bronchos toward sustained success in collegiate rowing.

Under his guidance, UCO secured a third-place finish at the 2024 NCAA Divison II Rowing National Championships, with both the Varsity 4+ and Varsity 8+ boats earning third-place honors. The Bronchos also placed third at the GNAC Championships that year. In 2024, Francis coached two All-Americans, two All-Conference athletes, and mentored eight scholar-athletes, the highest number in Division II.

In his inaugural season (2022), Francis contributed to UCO's seventh consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division II Rowing National Championships. The team extended this streak to eight in 2023, achieving a national runner-up finish at the Championships. That year, UCO also clinched gold at the FIRA Championships, the Knecht Cup Regatta, and the WIRA Championships, and swept the GNAC Championships before heading to Nationals.

Before joining UCO, Francis served as a graduate assistant at Smith College, where he earned a master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human Performance from Oklahoma City University, graduating in 2019.

As a competitive rower, Francis earned a bronze medal in the lightweight 4x at the 2018 U23 World Championships for the United States and competed in the lightweight 1xs at the 2017 U23 World Championships. He also won gold in the 4+ at the 2013 Youth Nationals Championships. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Jim Wade Award for Student-Athlete of the Year in both 2017 and 2019. In 2018, Francis was named a finalist for the World Rowing Filippi Spirit Award, which honors university rowers who exemplify the core values of rowing.