CHAMPAIGN, IL – One of the most decorated men’s gymnasts in Fighting Illini history, Daniel Ribeiro was named the permanent head coach of the program today by UI Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. The head coaching appointment runs through the 2026-27 season and is subject to approval by the UI Board of Trustees at its January meeting.
“In Daniel Ribeiro, we have identified someone who has committed his adult life to the advancement of Fighting Illini men’s gymnastics,” said Whitman. “Beginning with his time as a student-athlete and continuing through more than a decade on our coaching staff, Daniel has demonstrated a passion for our gymnasts and the Fighting Illini gymnastics tradition. During these last five months, we have seen Daniel step into the head coaching role with a strong vision, confidence, and a willingness to learn. Our team and our alumni have spoken enthusiastically about Daniel’s leadership, and we are excited to partner with him as we usher in this new era of men’s gymnastics at the University of Illinois.”
Ribeiro was named interim head coach this past summer after serving four seasons as assistant coach and seven years as the associate head coach for the Illini, and in November, he promptly signed one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.
“I am extremely humbled and privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead this incredible group of young men,” Ribeiro said. “My passion for Illinois is only exceeded by my love for my athletes and a burning desire to win. I cannot thank Josh Whitman and Sara Burton enough for their mentorship and confidence in me, to not only lead this program, but to bring championship success back to Champaign. My staff and I are committed to developing champions in every single one of our student-athletes that will lead to incredible academic, athletic, and personal growth and success. We will not rest until the National Championship Trophy is back with the Illini Family.”
Ribeiro earned National Assistant Coach of the Year and Central Region Coach of the Year in 2012 after helping lead the Illini to their fourth-consecutive Big Ten title and first national championship since 1989.
In the 11 seasons combined as an assistant and associate head coach, Ribeiro helped oversee a program that produced seven national champions, 70 All-Americans, 18 Big Ten Champions, two Big Ten Gymnasts of the Year, two Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a Nissen-Emery Award winner.
As a member of the Fighting Illini men’s gymnastics team from 2008-11, Ribeiro won two NCAA titles on pommel horse (2009, 2011) and was a three-time captain, starting his sophomore season.
The Chestnut Ridge, New York, native is also a three-time Big Ten pommel horse champion, taking the conference crown in his freshman (2008), junior (2010) and senior (2011) seasons while earning First-Team All-Big Ten accolades in each of those years as well. Ribeiro also captured pommel horse gold at the 2010 U.S. Visa Championships between his junior and senior seasons.
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