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A spirit that is not afraid

Auburn parts ways with gymnastics head coach Jeff Graba after 16 seasons

<p>Auburn head coach Jeff Graba shares a smile after it was announced that Auburn would advance to the Elite 8 during the NCAA Women's National Gymnastics Sweet 16 in the Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama.</p>

Auburn head coach Jeff Graba shares a smile after it was announced that Auburn would advance to the Elite 8 during the NCAA Women's National Gymnastics Sweet 16 in the Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama.

Athletics director John Cohen announced on Monday that Auburn and head gymnastics coach Jeff Graba have mutually parted ways after 16 seasons on the Plains. 

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

In his 16 seasons, Graba led the team to 14 regional appearances, three NCAA appearances, the Final Four in 2022 and the Super Six in 2015. His gymnasts racked up several individual accolades over the years, including a combined 37 All-America honors and 45 All-SEC recognitions.

Additionally, two athletes have brought home individual national titles under Graba: Derrian Gobourne in 2019 for vault and Olympic Gold Medalist Sunisa Lee in 2022 for beam. Graba coached Lee during the season of her Olympic run, and helped her earn a program-best 10 All-America honors.  

Graba also earned two SEC Coach of the Year awards in 2014 and 2015, and an SEC co-Coach of the Year award in 2012.  

“I want to thank Auburn University for taking a chance on me 16 years ago,” Graba said. “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.”  

Auburn will start the hunt for a new head gymnastics coach immediately.


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