[3] In June 2008, it was announced that Bottom would take over from Bob Bowman as head coach of the University of Michigan's swimming team.

[3][1] His Michigan men's team finished as champions at the 2013 NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships.

He gave a ground-breaking lecture about the three styles of freestyle in 2007, which had a great impact on future swimmers and coaches.

Though his winning record was ebbing when he announced his retirement from Michigan at end of season in May 2023, his contributions to the sport of swimming remain evident.

His college majors likely helped him find the most effective methods of motivating and counselling his many swimmers to achieve and thrive.