NCAA 2025-2026 Coaching Changes

[irichluck21]

Illinois chose not to renew the contract of Nadalie Walsh.

https://fightingillini.com/news/2025/4/15/womens-gymnastics-illinois-announces-leadership-change-in-womens-gymnastics.aspx

 

[irichluck21]

FISK and Rutgers head coaching positions are also open, TBD if Interim Head Coaches will be appointed or a search will begin.

 

[cuuf]

Ryan Snider quit Iowa State to pursue other opportunities. I know a lot of future recruits who really liked him.

 

[irichluck21]

Oh that is INTERESTING

His wife is the former head coach of Pitt so wonder where they will go.

Maybe Illinois?

 

[Regionals]

Edited: Based on the post below and having read his Instagram post, I deleted my thoughts about anything behind the scenes.

I wasn’t sure boot camp over the summer was going to be the cure for Iowa State, but it seemed to "work" in 2023-2024. That was Ryan’s project. I think if Ashley stays, there’s going to be another new structure for getting the team up to level.

 

[cuuf]

Idk, his post made it sound like he was leaving gymnastics. It sounded more "time to try something new" than subtle shade

 

[Kara]

Clemson is "parting ways" with Amy Smith. Hopefully whoever takes over will burn most of their leos.

Clemson Announces Change In Gymnastics Leadership

CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson University has parted ways with Amy Smith, Director of Athletics Graham Neff announced. Clemson will immediately commence a national search for its next head coach.

clemsontigers.com

 

[irichluck21]

Oh wow!

 

[cuuf]

Cant be because she didnt win quick enough, sooooo

 

[BB12]

Wow. With the Clemson money, could we see a head coach poaches from somewhere else?

 

[Regionals]

If not a head coach, I imagine they would be looking at current associate head coaches from a program ranked higher…..UNC, Stanford, Auburn, Alabama?

 

[cuuf]

Again, the Griffiths come to mind. I don't think they could get any current head coach at a higher program. I don't think any of the Bama assistants are quite ready. I am not familiar with UNC and Auburn staff.

 

[BB12]

My unhinged suggestion is try to poach Ryan Roberts. Give him the solo head coaching job and recognition he deserves.

 

[cuuf]

My unhinged suggestion is try to poach Ryan Roberts. Give him the solo head coaching job and recognition he deserves.

Oooo, that's actually not a bad play. I would definitely at least reach out if I was them.

 

[Regionals]

Just to clarify, here are the associate head coaches I was referring to: Vince Smurro (Stanford), Justin Spring (Alabama), Marie Denick (UNC), and Sara Carver-Milne (Auburn).

My unhinged idea is to try to poach under-compensated Mike Rowe. Although he seems to really be proud of what’s happening at Michigan State.

 

[BB12]

Just to clarify, here are the associate head coaches I was referring to: Vince Smurro (Stanford), Justin Spring (Alabama), Marie Denick (UNC), and Sara Carver-Milne (Auburn).

My unhinged idea is to try to poach under-compensated Mike Rowe. Although he seems to really be proud of what’s happening at Michigan State.

Targeting Mike Rowe would be a Huge move. I hope they at least try something big liken that.

 

[irichluck21]

I don't see Mike Rowe going to Clemson given what is happening at MSU. Never now though.

Justin Spring makes good sense. Maybe Kyla Ross?

Also Ryan Snyder leaving Iowa State shortly before this announcement...hmm.

Amy Smith getting let go makes me suspish that the rumors and allegations at Utah State finally showed up at Clemson?

Illinois and Clemson are two big programs- so we shall see.

I could see Justin Spring going back to Illinois before Clemson.

 

[RedBirdie]

Possibly allegations similar to Utah State. But also Clemson is just crazytown when it comes to sports. They did not pour all that money into starting a gymnastics program to finish 5th in the ACC and score below 196 at regionals (both days!). There were EXTREMELY high expectations and they've not been met.

 

[Orange]

I admittedly don’t pay much attention to Clemson sports, but are they really that sports crazy? I know the football team is usually good, but do they care that much about women’s sports?

Two years is not a lot of time to give a coach, especially one that is starting a new program. I’m wondering if they always regretted the hire after all the dirt came out and are using her underwhelming results as an excuse to get of her.

I’m curious to see who they hire. It should be easier to get better candidates now that the program’s established and the facility is built. They could try to lure the Griffeths from LSU. Maybe Taylor Spears? I wonder what Lisa Bowerman at TWU could do with more resources.

 

[MaryClare]

Is there likely to be an opening for an assistant at Oregon state? Or will Brian Carey stay