Rutgers has officially locked in its new offensive line coach, Jim Turner, with a two-year contract that runs through the 2027 season. The deal, obtained via public records, will pay Turner $500,000 in 2026 and $550,000 in 2027 - a total of $1.05 million in base salary over the span of the contract.
Turner steps into a pivotal role, taking over for Pat Flaherty, who was instrumental in elevating Rutgers’ offensive line to Big Ten standards. Now, Turner brings over three decades of coaching experience to the Scarlet Knights, including time in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently with the UFL’s Showboats.
This isn’t just a veteran hire - it’s a move that signals Rutgers’ intent to keep pushing the program forward in the trenches. Turner’s track record at the college level speaks volumes.
During his stints at Texas A&M and Boston College, he helped mold offensive linemen into NFL-ready talent. Eleven of his players were drafted, including five first-rounders: Gosder Cherilus, Anthony Castonzo, Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews, and Cedric Ogbuehi.
Castonzo, in particular, carved out a strong pro career, anchoring a Colts offensive line that often asked him to do more than his fair share protecting Andrew Luck. That kind of development pedigree is exactly what Rutgers needs as it continues to build a sustainable foundation in the Big Ten.
Turner’s units haven’t just protected quarterbacks - they’ve opened up lanes for elite production on the ground, too. At Texas A&M, his offensive line was a key factor in Trayveon Williams’ standout 2018 season, when Williams led the SEC with 1,760 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. That kind of run-game success doesn’t happen without a disciplined, cohesive front, and Turner knows how to build those.
There’s also a familiarity factor at play here. Turner has previously worked with Rutgers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca during a stint at Delaware. That existing relationship could help fast-track cohesion on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to syncing up blocking schemes with play design.
Turner’s already hit the ground running on the recruiting trail, meeting with prospects and making his pitch for the future of Rutgers football. For a program that knows it has to win in the trenches to compete in the Big Ten, adding a coach with Turner’s résumé and recruiting energy is a significant step forward.