Josh Nilson has been promoted to head coach of Illinois women’s gymnastics, athletic director Josh Whitman announced on Tuesday. Nilson has agreed to a five-year contract, pending approval of the Illinois Board of Trustees at its July meeting. He spent the past two seasons as the associate head coach under Nadalie Walsh, whose contract was not renewed.
“For the last two years, Josh Nilson has been a highly influential presence in our gym, and he received an outpouring of support throughout this process from team members, recruits, and others across the national gymnastics community,” Whitman said.
Nilson isn’t unfamiliar with the role; he spent the five years prior to Illinois as the head coach at Temple. He led the Owls to three straight conference titles from 2019 to 2021, two in the ECAC and one in the EAGL. In 2021, Temple qualified to NCAA regionals for the first time in 29 years and achieved its highest ranking in program history at No. 30. For these efforts, he was named the 2021 Northeast Region Coach of the Year. In 2019 and 2020, he was also named the ECAC Coach of the Year. Nilson led the Owls to various team records, including the current top two team scores—196.675 (Feb. 25, 2022) and 196.500 (Mar. 20, 2021)—and numerous current top five event and individual records.
Prior to Temple, Nilson spent time as an assistant coach with Air Force (2018), Penn State (2017), Utah State (2014-2016 and 2009-2011), and Texas Woman’s (2012-2013). He finished his time at Penn State as the interim head coach after Jeff and Rachelle Thompson were let go. While at Utah State, he was named the North Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015. He was the 2012 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year and Midwest Independence Conference Coach of the Year. A graduate of Utah State, he also served as a student assistant coach during his time in college.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics team,” Nilson said. “This program has all the tools to become a national contender and dominant force in the Big Ten. I consider this both a tremendous responsibility and a true honor. I’m energized, motivated, and ready to get to work.”
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Article by Tara Graeve
