Rutgers Tabs Travis Johansen as New Defensive Coordinator, Ending Prolonged Search
After months of speculation and a search that stretched deep into the offseason, Rutgers football has finally found its next defensive leader. Travis Johansen, the current head coach at South Dakota, is set to become the Scarlet Knights’ new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Friday.
The move brings closure to a coordinator hunt that began after Rutgers parted ways with co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber following a 2025 season that was, by most metrics, a defensive disaster. The Scarlet Knights gave up a staggering 7.6 yards per play - the worst mark in the FBS - and struggled to generate consistency or resistance against just about every opponent they faced.
Johansen Brings a Builder’s Resume
So, who is Travis Johansen, and why is Rutgers betting on him to fix a defense that fell apart last fall?
Johansen may not be a household name in FBS circles, but his résumé speaks to a coach who knows how to build. He’s spent more than a decade shaping defenses across multiple levels of college football, including a six-year run at South Dakota where he served as the Coyotes’ defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach.
In 2025, Johansen led South Dakota to a 10-5 record and a spot in the FCS quarterfinals - a notable achievement for the program. His defense was a key part of that run, continuing the trend of strong, disciplined play that had become a hallmark of his units.
Before his time with the Coyotes, Johansen held coordinator roles at NAIA Grand View University and Division II Concordia-St. Paul, where he also played his college ball.
At each stop, he left the defense in a better place than he found it.
What stands out about Johansen’s approach is his ability to get the most out of his personnel - often without the benefit of blue-chip recruits or national attention. That kind of developmental mindset could be exactly what Rutgers needs as it tries to climb back into relevance in a loaded Big Ten.
A Fresh Start for a Reeling Defense
Head coach Greg Schiano made it clear throughout the search that he was looking for more than just a play-caller. He wanted a leader - someone who could command a room, connect with players, and bring structure to a unit that lacked identity last season.
Johansen fits that mold. He’s run his own program, he’s organized, and he’s known for building defenses that play with purpose. His hire signals a shift in philosophy for Rutgers: rather than pulling from the traditional pool of Power Five assistants, the Scarlet Knights are betting on a rising coach with a proven track record of development and adaptability.
It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off if Johansen can translate his FCS success to the Big Ten stage.
The Road Ahead
While the deal is still being finalized, official confirmation from Rutgers is expected soon. Once in place, Johansen will be tasked with one of the tougher jobs in the conference: turning around a defense that was statistically one of the worst in the country and helping Rutgers compete more consistently in a division that features some of the nation’s top offenses.
It’s a tall order - but also a massive opportunity. With the offense showing signs of life and the program aiming to take the next step, the defense doesn’t need to be elite overnight.
It just needs to be better. More disciplined.
More cohesive. More Rutgers.
If Johansen can bring that edge back to the Scarlet Knights, this could be the beginning of a much-needed turnaround.