Rutgers Football Hits Reset on Defense as Coaching Overhaul Begins
As the dust settles on Rutgers’ 2025 football season, one thing is undeniable: the defense needs a fresh start. After a year where the Scarlet Knights struggled mightily on that side of the ball-setting unfortunate program records and consistently getting outmatched in Big Ten play-the call for change wasn’t just loud, it was necessary.
And change is exactly what’s happening in Piscataway.
Just days after the season wrapped, Rutgers made sweeping moves on the defensive coaching staff. Co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber were both let go, with Sparber also vacating his role as linebackers coach.
Defensive line coach Colin Ferrell was also shown the door. More recently, cornerbacks coach David Rowe left the program, opting to take the same position at Cincinnati.
On the offensive side, the lone change so far came up front. Veteran offensive line coach Pat Flaherty’s contract wasn’t renewed, but Rutgers moved quickly to fill that vacancy, hiring Jim Turner to take over the unit.
But while those moves set the stage for a new chapter, the biggest hire still looms: defensive coordinator.
The Waiting Game
Right now, the program is in a bit of a holding pattern. The prevailing belief inside the building is that once a new defensive coordinator is in place, the rest of the defensive staff will follow.
That’s not uncommon-coordinators often prefer to bring in assistants who align with their system and philosophy. It’s a domino effect, and Rutgers is waiting for that first piece to fall.
Last offseason, head coach Greg Schiano found himself in a tough spot. He waited on a few preferred candidates who ultimately went elsewhere, and ended up hiring Smith late in the process-later than he would’ve liked. That’s a scenario he’s determined to avoid this time around.
Early Targets Off the Board
Schiano reportedly had his eyes on a couple of intriguing names early in the process-Vince Kehres and Rob Aurich-but both were quickly scooped up by Syracuse and Nebraska, respectively. Since then, Rutgers has been actively interviewing candidates, but according to reports, Schiano hasn’t been wowed by what he’s seen so far.
That’s led the search in a new direction.
Looking Toward the NFL
With some of the top college options now off the board, Rutgers is turning its attention to the professional ranks. Several NFL position coaches are reportedly on the radar, though those interviews won’t be possible until their seasons conclude. In the meantime, the program continues to evaluate college coaches who are still available.
The challenge? Timing.
With the transfer portal reopening on January 2nd, Rutgers is unlikely to have a new defensive coordinator in place by then. That’s not ideal, especially in today’s transfer-heavy landscape, where coaching stability can be a major factor for players making quick decisions.
What’s Next?
For now, it’s a waiting game. Rutgers has made it clear they’re not rushing this hire-they want the right fit, not just a fast one. And while that patience may cost them in the short term, especially with portal activity heating up, the long-term payoff could be worth it if they land the right leader to rebuild a defense that badly needs direction.
One thing is certain: this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent Rutgers football history. The moves made in the coming weeks will go a long way in determining whether the Scarlet Knights can take the next step-or continue spinning their wheels in the Big Ten.