Rutgers football is making strategic moves this offseason, adding another layer of NFL expertise to their coaching staff. Jeff Carpenter, formerly with the Los Angeles Chargers, joins the Scarlet Knights as an offensive assistant. Carpenter's experience working with current offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca at Penn State in 2020 should make for a seamless transition, particularly as he focuses on the quarterback room.
Carpenter's NFL journey has been diverse. In 2024, he served as a quality control coach with the Chargers' wide receivers and shifted to tight ends in 2025. His NFL resume also includes a stint with the Houston Texans back in 2015.
Carpenter's college coaching credentials are equally impressive. Most recently, he was an offensive analyst at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2023. Before that, he contributed as an offensive analyst at LSU in 2021 and held various roles at Penn State, Bryant, and Princeton.
During his time with the Chargers, Carpenter played a key role in the development of rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey's standout 2024 season saw him set franchise rookie records with 82 receptions, 1,149 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Carpenter is the third coach with NFL experience to join the Scarlet Knights' offensive staff this offseason. He joins offensive line coach Jim Turner and assistant wide receiver coach Mike Sullivan, both of whom bring a wealth of professional experience to Rutgers. This infusion of NFL knowledge could be a game-changer for the Scarlet Knights as they look to elevate their program.