Auburn and Coach Jeff Graba Mutually Part Ways After 16 Seasons

Graba led the Tigers to 14 regional appearances and three NCAA championship appearances during his tenure.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a gymnast performing on the balance beam, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in Auburn's signature colors of navy blue, burnt orange, and white.The departure of longtime Auburn gymnastics coach Jeff Graba marks a new chapter for the program as it seeks to regain its status as a national power.Auburn Today

Auburn University and head gymnastics coach Jeff Graba have 'mutually agreed to part ways' after 16 seasons, the school's athletic director John Cohen announced on Monday. Graba, who was hired in 2010, led the Tigers to significant program growth and success, including a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Championships. However, the team has struggled in recent seasons, finishing last in the SEC this year before an early exit from the NCAA tournament.

Why it matters

Graba's departure marks the end of an era for Auburn gymnastics, which had become a national power under his leadership. The program's decline in recent years also reflects the growing dominance of SEC schools in women's collegiate gymnastics, with 7 of the top 11 teams in the country coming from the conference.

The details

Graba was hired as Auburn's head coach in 2010 and led the Tigers to 14 regional appearances and three NCAA championship appearances during his 16-year tenure. The highlight came in 2022, when the team made it to the NCAA team final and finished fourth nationally. That squad was led by Graba's top recruit, Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee. However, since that breakout season, the Tigers have struggled, finishing 24th in 2023, 20th in 2024, and 11th in 2025 before landing at the bottom of the SEC this year.

  • Graba was hired as Auburn's head coach in August 2010.
  • In 2022, Graba led the Tigers to the best season in program history, finishing fourth at the NCAA Championships.
  • Sunisa Lee, Graba's top recruit, competed for Auburn from 2022-2023 before leaving to pursue the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • The Tigers finished last in the SEC in 2026 and were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
  • On April 6, 2026, Auburn announced that Graba and the university had 'mutually agreed to part ways' after 16 seasons.

The players

Jeff Graba

The former head coach of the Auburn gymnastics team, who led the program for 16 seasons from 2010 to 2026.

John Cohen

The athletic director at Auburn University, who announced the mutual parting of ways between the university and coach Jeff Graba.

Sunisa Lee

An Olympic gold medalist who was Graba's top recruit and competed for Auburn from 2022-2023 before leaving to pursue the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Auburn University

The university where the Auburn gymnastics team is based and which has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jeff Graba after 16 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“We thank Coach Graba for his leadership over the past 16 seasons and wish him the best moving forward. Jeff oversaw a period of significant growth in all areas of the gymnastics program while developing outstanding Auburn women.”

— John Cohen, Auburn Athletic Director

“I want to thank Auburn University for taking a chance on me 16 years ago. Being at the helm of this program has been an honor and it has been a privilege to coach this team. I am proud of the opportunity our coaching staff has had to help our student-athletes achieve their goals and dreams – whether it be competing in the Olympics, or for an SEC or National Championship. Thank you Auburn for welcoming the Graba family and giving Bridget and me the chance to raise our family here in Auburn – including two daughters receiving Auburn University degrees.”

— Jeff Graba, Former Auburn Head Coach

What’s next

Auburn will begin its search for a new head coach immediately to lead the program forward.

The takeaway

Graba's departure marks the end of an era for Auburn gymnastics, which had become a national power under his leadership. However, the program's recent struggles reflect the growing dominance of SEC schools in women's collegiate gymnastics, with the conference now home to 7 of the top 11 teams in the country.