Fans Left Divided as Clemson Gymnastics Announces Major Roster Shakeup After Mysterious Coaching Exits

Just weeks after parting ways with their inaugural head coach under cloudy circumstances, Clemson gymnastics has sent shockwaves through the NCAA scene again. This time, by poaching a power coaching duo straight from California. In a move that stunned fans across both coasts, the Tigers have brought in Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, the married masterminds behind Cal’s meteoric rise in collegiate gymnastics. The two were fresh off being crowned ACC Co-Head Coaches of the Year in 2025.

The announcement comes on the heels of a curious press release titled “Tiger Gymnastics Camps Canceled—Refunds to Follow—Chance to Purchase Leotards,” signed by former coach Amy Smith. It revealed that Clemson’s summer camp had been abruptly scrapped due to the lack of a head coach. Now, with the Howells officially approved, the Tigers are banking on their new leadership to breathe fresh life into a program still finding its footing.

But while Clemson fans celebrate the high-profile hire, Golden Bears supporters are reeling, and social media is lighting up with mixed emotions and bold predictions. Clemson Gymnastics took to Instagram, highlighting, “A proven record Take a look at the illustrious resumes for our Co-Head Coaches!” And truthfully, they weren’t exaggerating.

In a major move that stunned and excited the gymnastics community, Clemson officially welcomed Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell. Two of the most respected names in NCAA gymnastics as their new co-head coaches. The announcement came shortly after the duo parted ways with the California Golden Bears, where they led the team to a historic second-place national finish.

With this appointment, Clemson is not just replacing a coach. They’re launching a new era with a pair of decorated leaders known for cultivating talent and chasing titles. On May 12, the Clemson Board of Trustees approved matching five-year deals for the Howells, each valued at $225,000 annually. It’s a bold investment, and athletic director Graham Neff made sure everyone understood just how high the stakes were.

“This is certainly a statement and an investment in Clemson gymnastics, of which we’ve had national prominence just in our first two years of competition,” he told the board. “We have high expectations and aspirations of national championship-caliber competition and growth ahead.” Clemson may be new to NCAA gymnastics, but it’s clear they don’t plan to sit quietly in the background. This hire screams ambition.

Their arrival, however, also underscores the abrupt departure of former head coach Amy Smith. After a promising 6–3 debut season, the program dipped to 5–7 in year two, and Smith’s exit came with little fanfare. Now, with the Howells at the helm, Clemson is positioning itself not just for redemption but for dominance, igniting the real firestorm across social media.

Fans react to Howell’s move with bittersweet goodbyes and hopeful new beginnings

As Clemson fans celebrated the arrival of Justin and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, gymnastics followers nationwide felt a complex swirl of emotions. Clemson’s gain, after all, is Cal’s loss. And the gymnastics world knows it, as summed up in the viral Reddit post. “Well, the bars will be gorgeous. I honestly feel bad for Cal and Michigan fans this off-season so far…” one fan commented, capturing the collective sigh from Golden Bear supporters who watched a dominant coaching legacy walk out the door.

And it’s no surprise! The Howells delivered an unbeaten regular season in 2025, powered by elite athletes like Mya Lauzon, the ACC Gymnast of the Year. Cal’s near-miss at the ACC Championships, followed by a strong NCAA showing in Tuscaloosa, proved their upward trajectory. Now, with the architects of that success moving across the country, uncertainty clouds the future.

Some fans turned their attention to what this means for the future of both programs. “I wonder who’s going to Cal now… Gonna be hard to replace them. Also wonder if they’re bringing their ACs.” The speculation is valid! This wasn’t just a coach swap; it’s a power shift. Justin Howell’s Olympic experience and multiple Pac-12 Coach of the Year titles brought respect, but it was their holistic approach that made the difference.

Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, in particular, had opened up about Cal’s injury challenges and her proactive methods to keep athletes healthy. “As coaches, we’re always trying to protect the athletes,” she once shared. That athlete-first mindset helped manage tough seasons for stars like Emjae Frazier and Mya Lauzon, who pushed through ankle and shoulder issues, respectively. That kind of care and leadership is tough to replicate. Especially when fans have grown emotionally invested in that culture.

Of course, Clemson supporters wasted no time in expressing their excitement. Some with a humorous twist. “Welcome, Howells! You know you want to reinstate summer camps SO BAD… I’m making the entire Clemson coaching process about my kid’s summer camp, and it’s cringe but idgaf, I’m sorry,” one fan wrote, striking a blend of enthusiasm and parental pleading. But even among Tigers fans, there’s a sense of awe at what’s coming in.

The duo were crowned WCGA National Coaches of the Year in 2023 and then West Region Coaches of the Year in 2024. As another fan noted with heartfelt honesty, “Nooo, they were so successful at Cal and I wanted to see them work with Ondine Achampong for longer… Good luck to Clemson, though, as this is a great hire for them and hopefully they can pick up a few great athletes in the coming years and work on building up who they already have.”

It’s the kind of reaction that speaks volumes because when fans of the losing side still wish the best for the winners, you know the coaching change is monumental.

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