Jeff Thompson, Auburn's head women's gymnastics coach, announced today the hiring of Stephen Craig as the Tigers new assistant gymnastics coach.

"Steve is very energetic and dedicated to the sport of gymnastics," said Thompson. "He has experience coaching all four events and is considered one of the best recruiters in the nation."

Craig joins the Auburn staff after serving one year as an assistant at the University of Iowa, under head coach Diane DeMarco.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for myself, both personal and professional," said Craig. "To be able to work for a program within the SEC, which is one of the best conferences in the nation, and no question the best gymnastics conference in the nation is incredible. I am looking forward to calling Auburn home."

Craig also has coaching experience at three other Division One gymnastics programs. Before Iowa, Craig was the interim co-head coach at Denver in 1998. He also severed as an assistant at the University of Pittsburgh during 1996 and 1997 seasons, where he was awarded the 1996 Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

Craig graduated from Ball State University in 1995 and immediately started coaching for the Cardinals. Craig served as an assistant for two years before moving on to Pittsburgh.

"He has the proven ability to recruit student-athletes with great academic and athletic quality better than the institution is known for," said Thompson.

"I think both Jeff and I have the same goals for the program in the upcoming years," said Craig. "I hope to work with Jeff so that we can improve the Auburn program by bringing in best gymnasts from across the country."