Kent State Gymnastics Legend Brice Biggin Announced Retirement After 2026 Season
1/5/2026 3:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
KENT, Ohio – Kent State University gymnastics head coach Brice Biggin announced today that he will retire following the 2026 season, his 35th at the helm of the program.
Biggin's remarkable tenure has transformed Kent State gymnastics into a Mid-American Conference powerhouse, establishing the Golden Flashes as a consistent presence on the national stage.
Brice Biggin built something special here at Kent State, said Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. His impact extends far beyond the 453 wins and countless championships. He has shaped the lives of hundreds of student-athletes and elevated our program to unbelievable heights. We are grateful for his dedication, leadership, and the legacy he will leave behind.
It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of Kent State Gymnastics for so many years, said Biggin. There are so many amazing coaches, administrators, and athletes for me to thank who made this journey so memorable. Most of all, thank you to my wife and children for all the support you have given me for all these years. Kent State is a special place and one that I will always hold close to my heart. I will always bleed Blue and Gold and look forward to continue supporting the program for many more years!! Thank you, Flash Family!
Biggin has been a part of the gymnastics program at Kent State since 1979, when he began his four-year career as a member of the men's gymnastics team. He was a four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain, helping the Flashes to a Great Lakes League Championship in his senior season.
Upon graduation, he immediately transitioned into his coaching career, serving as an assistant coach for the men's program from 1983 to 1985. He officially joined the women's gymnastics program in 1985 as the first graduate assistant in program history under legendary head coaches Rudy and Janet Bachna. Biggin was appointed associate head coach in 1987 before taking over as head coach in 1992.
A Legacy of Excellence
Biggin's 453 career victories stand as the most in Kent State history and second-most in MAC history. Under his leadership, the Golden Flashes have captured 11 MAC Regular Season titles and eight MAC Championship titles.
His coaching excellence has been recognized at every level. Biggin's earned National Coach of the Year honors in 2011, has been named Region Coach of the Year three times, and has claimed an unprecedented 12 MAC Coach of the Year awards.
The pinnacle of Biggin's career came in 2011 when he led Kent State to the NCAA National Championship, marking the only appearance at the national championship meet by a MAC school in history.
Building Champions
Beyond team success, Biggin has developed individual champions throughout his career. He has guided eight gymnasts to individual NCAA Championship appearances and celebrated five individual NCAA Regional Champions. His athletes have earned eight MAC Gymnast of the Year selections, 71 All-MAC selections, and 52 individual MAC Championships.
Nine of his former athletes have been inducted into Kent State's prestigious Varsity K Hall of Fame.
The Golden Flashes have made 24 NCAA Regional team appearances under Biggin's guidance.
Excellence in the Classroom
Biggin has been equally committed to his student-athletes' success in the classroom. His gymnasts have earned 153 Scholastic All-America honors and 128 Academic All-MAC selections, demonstrating the program's commitment to excellence in competition and academics.
Looking Ahead
Biggin will coach his final season in 2026, allowing the Kent State community to celebrate his extraordinary career. The Golden Flashes are coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which they finished 11-5 overall and 6-0 in MAC competition.
A national search to find the next head coach will begin immediately.
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