Clemson Approves Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell as New Co-Head Coaches of Gymnastics Program

Sierra Church of Clemson gymnastics, she competes on beam. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media/Mays SportsWire)

Clemson University’s Board of Trustees Compensation Committee officially approved the hire of Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell as co-head coaches of the gymnastics program on Monday morning.

The duo takes over for former head coach Amy Smith, who was relieved of her duties on April 18 after two seasons at the helm. The Howells come to Clemson from the University of California, where they led one of the top gymnastics programs in the nation and were Co-ACC Coaches of the Year this past season. Now, they become the second coaching team in Clemson gymnastics history.

In a unique but increasingly common structure in collegiate gymnastics, both Justin and Liz will serve as co-head coaches, and are also husband and wife. Each will receive a salary of $225,000 annually under a five-year contract, reflecting a significant investment into the future of the program.

“We are incredibly grateful and excited to be able to attract coaches of the caliber of Justin and Liz from Cal to Clemson,” Clemson Athletic Director Graham Neff said in a statement. “This is certainly a statement and an investment in Clemson gymnastics of which we have had national prominence in just two years of competition."

Clemson launched its gymnastics program in 2021 and has quickly made waves, earning a postseason berth in just its second season. Neff emphasized the program's high aspirations with this new hire.

“We have high expectations and aspirations of national championship caliber competition and growth ahead,” Neff added.

The Howells bring with them a proven record of success at Cal, where they helped the Golden Bears become a consistent national contender, winning the ACC regular season this past year, known for their innovation, athlete development, and also program culture. Their experience and pedigree signal that Clemson is serious about elevating its gymnastics program into the national spotlight.

With this hire, Clemson sets the stage for a new era of gymnastics, one that looks to build on a strong foundation and push toward championship contention.