Robert Weir brings impressive credentials to the role of throws coach at the University of Oregon, and Vin Lananna said the hire represents a new level of commitment to the throwing events in the program.

Weir succeeded Lananna as the head coach at Stanford in 2004 and has an illustrious resume, beginning with his athletic career for his native Great Britain. Weir was a three-time Olympian and has coached the likes of Adam Nelson and Jillian Camarena.

“Coach Weir joins our staff as a renowned competitor on the international stage, as one of the most successful collegiate coaches in the NCAA, as a tenacious recruiter, and as one of the most respected developers of talent in the world,” Lananna said in a university release. “He is respected for his integrity, technical knowledge of all the throwing events, and his tremendous connection with the athletes that he coaches.”

Weir coached the U.S. throwers at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships. In 2009 he served as the British  team’s throws coach.

Among other career highlights, the 49-year-old Weir also played professional football in the Canadian Football League for six seasons between 1986 and 1992 and competed in the 1997 World’s Strongest Man competition.

His hire coincides, of course, with what could be a pivotal recruiting season. Ryan Crouser of Gresham’s Barlow High School is one of the brightest throws prospects in U.S. history and will be entering his senior year of high school in the fall and is recovering from a broken foot. Crouser is a 4.0 student who has stated that he is looking for a combination of things — a strong track program, a high-caliber education, and a coach with whom he can connect.

On the face of it, Oregon made a significant commitment to its throws program on Monday. Christina Scherwin will remain the javelin coach, but Weir brings instant credibility in the shot put, discus and hammer.

Crouser is going to require a coach capable of taking him to the elite level of international throwing. Weir fits that profile.