James Herbert “Herb” McAuley coached the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for 40 years, first as an assistant coach to Fred Lanoue, then as head coach. McAuley first swam for Georgia Tech as a student-athlete in 1942 while taking a short leave to serve in the Army during World War II. McAuley was a member of the 1942 SEC Championship team, earning championship titles in the 220y and 440y freestyle. He returned to complete his degree and captain the swimming team from 1946-47. McAuley graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1947 and immediately began coaching under Lanoue for the next 17 years before taking over as head coach for the remaining 23 years of his coaching career. As head coach, McAuley’s record was 169-144-1. He was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1982. After his retirement in 1987, McAuley continued to stay active in swimming as a U.S. Masters Swimming member. McAuley accumulated more than 100 top 10 rankings in U.S. Masters Swimming since 1972. In addition, he earned the distinction of nine All-American titles in U.S. Masters Swimming. In 2016, the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center was renamed to the McAuley Aquatic Center to honor McAuley.

Herb McAuley passed away in 2014.