Rutgers defensive coordinator Travis Johansen is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Scarlet Knights’ defensive staff - and he’s bringing some familiar faces along for the ride.
The latest addition is Eric Finney, who coached cornerbacks under Johansen at South Dakota last season. Finney will take over the same role at Rutgers, continuing a working relationship that already showed strong results at the FCS level.
He becomes the third coach added to Johansen’s staff in the past two days, joining former Drake defensive coordinator Adam Cox, now set to coach safeties, and former Drake head coach Joe Woodley, whose exact role on the staff is still being finalized. The trio rounds out a rapidly forming defensive unit that retains just one holdover from last year: defensive tackles coach Charlie Noonan.
Finney’s résumé brings both experience and results. In his lone season at South Dakota, he helped develop Mikey Munn into a first-team all-conference cornerback - and not just on paper.
Munn led all FCS defenders with five interceptions last season, a clear testament to the impact of Finney’s coaching in the secondary. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident, especially in a conference as competitive as the Missouri Valley.
Before his time at South Dakota, Finney had a stint at Cincinnati in 2024, working under veteran coach Kerry Combs - a name well known in Big Ten circles. Finney served as a quality control coach in the cornerbacks room, learning under Combs, who previously spent three seasons alongside Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano during their time together at Ohio State. It’s a connection that no doubt helped pave the way for Finney’s next move to Piscataway.
But Finney’s coaching journey didn’t start in the FBS. He cut his teeth at Iowa Western Community College, where he spent six seasons wearing multiple hats: defensive backs coach, special teams coordinator, and pass game coordinator.
During his time there, Iowa Western became a JUCO powerhouse, reaching three national title games and winning two. That kind of sustained success at the junior college level speaks volumes about his ability to teach, lead, and develop talent - all skills that translate well to the Big Ten stage.
As a player, Finney brings his own on-field experience to the table. He played three seasons at Illinois from 2013 to 2015, appearing in 35 games and earning team captain honors as a senior.
That final season saw him start eight games and rack up 35 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, along with three pass break-ups. His career totals - 70 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, and four pass break-ups - reflect a physical, downhill style of play that likely informs how he coaches his corners today.
Originally from Riverside, California, Finney has already made his mark at multiple levels of the game. Now, he steps into the Big Ten spotlight with a chance to help elevate a Rutgers secondary looking to take the next step under Johansen’s new system.
With the staff starting to take shape, Rutgers is building something with clear intent - blending familiarity, proven production, and coaching versatility. Finney’s addition checks all those boxes.