Back in April, Clemson gymnastics announced that it would be parting ways with head coach Amy Smith after two seasons with the inaugural coach.
In May, Clemson gymnastics announced the hiring of not one, but two new head coaches: Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell. After spending 13 seasons with the ACC’s California Golden Bears, the husband and wife duo settled on a move to Clemson, bringing a trophy case of achievements with them.
At the end of last season, Howell and Crandall-Howell were named ACC Co-Head Coaches of the Year and led the Bears to win the ACC in their first year in the conference. They were also both named 2024 WCGA West Region Coach of the Year and 2023 WCGA National Co-Coach of the Year.
Howell took over for the Bears in 2012, and was joined by his wife in 2018. Howell has four Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards, and was joined by Crandall-Howell for two of those in 2021 and 2024. As the winningest coach in Cal history, Howell now boasts experience and repertoire at the helm of a young Clemson squad.
While the gymnastics world was shocked to see these coaches leave the program they built, Howell briefly discussed his decision in an interview after the coaching change was announced.
“The world-class resources and support for Clemson student-athletes to succeed in the classroom and on the competition floor are incredible. Liz and I are excited to bring our passion, energy and pursuit of excellence to Tigertown. Clemson is truly a special place,” Howell said.
Along with their new head coach tandem, Clemson gymnastics brought in a fresh face to support the operation: assistant coach Jessie McDonough. Previously, McDonough coached at Olympus Gymnastics in Utah, leading the team to the highest Level 10 team score in the country in 2023 and 2024.
The final addition to the new coaching staff is assistant head coach Luke Wasson, who served as Ohio State’s assistant coach for five years before he was promoted to associate head coach for two seasons prior to coming to Clemson.
Now, Clemson is just one month away from kicking off its season with a new coaching staff. The Tigers will have their intersquad meet on Dec. 4 and will officially start their season on Jan. 4, 2026, against Towson.
With the new coaching staff, one thing is for certain: this year will be flipping exciting!
