With every new season comes new rosters in NCAA gymnastics. Gymnasts are constantly transferring to new programs, but it is far less common to see a coach leave. Coaching changes affect the entire team’s dynamic, and this season’s changes could influence NCAA gymnastics rankings and reputations for years to come. Here are four programs whose coaching changes have the potential to make a big impact.
Auburn: Loses Jeff Graba, Gains Ryan Roberts
After an impressive 16 seasons, head coach Graba makes his departure from Auburn to lead the WCGA as an executive director. Graba was a crucial part of Auburn’s success, leading it to two national championship appearances—the first in 2015 and the second in 2022, where it placed fourth. He has coached recognizable names in gymnastics as well, such as Olympian Suni Lee. Along with those accomplishments, Graba has also been named SEC coach of the year twice, a testament to his leadership. Although Graba made a huge mark for the Tigers, they were not left empty-handed.
Roberts, former co-head coach at Georgia, assistant coach at Alabama, and USAG national team staff member, will join the Tigers this season. Roberts has a memorable reputation as a coach for the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide. With his multiple years of success in the SEC, Roberts has helped lead his teams to numerous SEC championship appearances, including the 2021 title for Alabama. He has also shown that he is exceptional with newcomers, having multiple top-five recruiting classes.
This feels like an even swap for Auburn. Although they will no longer be led by Graba, who has had major success in this tough conference, Roberts has similar experience in the same playing field, and it should be expected that the Tigers will see significant growth this coming season.
Georgia: Loses Ryan Roberts, Gains Laurent Landi and Megan Haught
With former co-head coach Roberts joining Auburn, head coach Cécile Canqueteau-Landi will be joined by Landi as associate head coach at Georgia. This coaching couple are the former elite coaches of Joscelyn Roberson, who transferred from Arkansas to Georgia after the 2026 season. Roberson, a standout in 2026, has stated that this coaching change was not the deciding factor, but implied that she wanted a happy environment and found that at Georgia. Landi and Canqueteau-Landi have produced amazing gymnasts under their leadership, and can help the Bulldogs make it far this coming season.
Georgia will also be gaining Haught as an assistant coach. Haught returns to Athens, Georgia after assisting Denver with its 23rd-place finish in 2026. Having worked with Canqueteau-Landi in the past, Haught has voiced her excitement to be back in Athens.
With Georgia’s coaching staff coming linked together and close, we can expect the Bulldogs to build great team relationships, which translates to great gymnastics.
Nebraska: Loses Heather Brink, Gains Nicole Jones
Nebraska loses Brink, head coach of the Huskers since 2019. Brink’s departure is followed by a last-place finish at the 2026 Big Ten Championship. In her place, Nebraska secures Jones, former Michigan State associate head coach. Jones joins with major success from her work with the Spartans, from winning the Big Ten Championship in 2024 to supporting her athletes’ academic achievements, including multiple WCGA Scholastic All-America awards and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors.
After a rough year for the Huskers, this shift in coaching looks positive for their future in gymnastics, and it can be expected to show in the 2027 season.
BYU: Loses Guard Young, Gains Natalie Broekman
After serving as head coach since 2015, Young’s contract was not renewed, leading BYU to find a new head coach in Broekman. Although the Cougars had a solid season with a 22nd-place finish, BYU stated that it was looking for a coach to take the Cougars to the next level, and seemingly found that in former associate head coach Broekman.
Broekman has been with BYU since 2015, when she started as assistant coach. Since then, she has helped guide gymnast Brynlee Andersen-Broekman to the 2025 national championships as an individual competitor on beam, where Broekman’s coaching strength lies. Behind her, the Cougars have finished in the top 25 six times.
With Broekman’s familiarity, along with her experience and commitment to the Cougars, BYU should excel in the next year.
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Article by Jenna Garcia
