COLLEGE PARK, MD -- COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland gymnastics head coach
Brett Nelligan has signed a contract extension through June 2030, as announced by Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics.
The fourth head coach in Maryland gymnastics history,
Brett Nelligan, has led the Terps to 13 NCAA Regional appearances in his tenure spanning 2010-25. He will begin his 17th season leading the GymTerps this year, taking over the program on May 1, 2009, following the retirement of his father, Bob Nelligan. He grew up in College Park and around the program and has led Maryland to new heights as head coach with top recruiting classes and outstanding performances.
"Brett has consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership throughout his tenure at Maryland," said Smith. "Guiding our gymnastics program to 13 NCAA Regional appearances, including the last seven in a row, reflects his commitment to our student-athletes and the standard of success we expect at Maryland. We're thrilled to extend his contract and look forward to continued growth and achievement under his leadership."
"Thank you to Jim Smith and
Libby Ellis for the opportunity to continue leading this program that means so much to me," said Nelligan. "Maryland has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I'm deeply passionate about this university and our gymnastics family. It's an honor to represent the Terps, and I'm excited for what the future holds as we keep building something special together."
In 16 years as the Terrapins' head coach, Nelligan has posted a 288-213-2 overall record for a 57.5 win percentage. Nelligan has guided Maryland to a Top-25 ranking in 10 of the last 14 seasons, including the highest ranking in program history on eighth on January 13, 2020. He served as an assistant coach under his father from 2003-09 before taking the reins.
In 2025, Nelligan led the GymTerps to their best NCAA Regional performance in program history with a score of 196.825. The team also set new program records for regional competition on both floor and vault, earning scores of 49.325 and 49.225, respectively.
In 2024, the GymTerps finished 21-10, winning Session I of the Big Ten Championships for the first time in program history. Also, they achieved their highest team score at the Big Ten Championships, 196.775. Nelligan led
Emma Silberman to NCAA Nationals as an individual qualifier, the first Terrapin since 2001.
Maryland has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I'm deeply passionate about this university and our gymnastics family. It's an honor to represent the Terps, and I'm excited for what the future holds as we keep building something special together.
Nelligan was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2018. Since 2012, the Terps have posted 11 of the best 13 NCAA Regional scores in program history, with the four top scores coming in each of the last four seasons. Eight of the overall Top 10 scores have come under Nelligan's leadership, all since 2020. School records for top scores in All-Around, Vault, Bars, and Beam have all been set or equalled while Nelligan has been head coach.
Nelligan has coached gymnasts to 14 All-Big Ten honors and 104 to Academic All-Big Ten accolades.
