For the 2026 season, Nebraska women's gymnastics wrapped up with a 3-6 record. A week after the gymnastics championships, Nebraska appointed Nicole Jones as its head coach.

An accomplished program architect known for boosting team performance, Jones arrives at the Big Ten school following a lengthy stint at Michigan State.

"A culture-driven leader with B1G success," the Nebraska Cornhuskers welcomed Jones with a tweet on April 24. "Introducing the sixth Head Coach of Nebraska Women’s Gymnastics: Nicole Jones (@curlerni)!"

Jones is coming to Nebraska with 16 seasons of experience helping build Michigan State into a Big Ten and national power. Under her leadership, the Spartans ran to their fifth consecutive NCAA Regional appearance.

“It is an honor to be named the head coach of a Nebraska women’s gymnastics program that is so rich in tradition, and I look forward to leading our student-athletes to their highest levels of success in all areas," Jones said. “All the ingredients are here to build champions in Lincoln.”

On April 6, Nebraska announced that it would not be renewing the contract of its former head coach, Heather Brink.

She has served as Nebraska’s head coach since 2019. So Jones will be replacing Brink, who won the NCAA all-around title in her senior season as a Nebraska student-athlete.

“Nebraska is committed to competing for championships at the highest level, and we are excited Nicole Jones will be leading Husker women’s gymnastics in our pursuit of those goals,” Athletic Director Troy Dannen said. “Nicole brings an extraordinary track record of success and stability."

Jones brings a strong background from her long association with Michigan State. Being a gymnast and a Spartan alum, she spent 16 years developing her coaching experience.

Coming off the best season in program history in 2025, Jones and the Spartans carried that success into 2026. She was recognized as WCGA Region I Assistant Coach of the Year, helping MSU secure a No. 6 national ranking and its first NCAA Championships appearance since 1988.

Nicole Jones Steps Into Nebraska’s Rebuild Phase

Jones takes over a Nebraska team that hasn’t finished inside the Top 20 since 2020. After Dan Kendig retired in 2018, results began to decline, and the team could not maintain the same level as before.

Under Kendig, Nebraska was among the top programs, reaching 12 Super Six finals and winning multiple conference titles. That level hasn’t been seen in recent seasons.

One addition is already confirmed. Dana Khalil, a three-star Level 10 recruit, is set to join the 2026–27 season. Apart from that, the transfer portal could be used to fill gaps in the team.

For Jones, the task is clear. She will have to bring back the lost momentum.

What are your thoughts on Jones' hire? Share in the comments.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar