HEADLINE

Report: Talks between Rutgers, Schiano collapse

Field Level Media

November 25, 2019 at 7:15 pm.

Rutgers failed to reach an agreement with Greg Schiano to bring him back as the school’s football coach, according to a report.

The two sides apparently had settled on a salary of $4 million a year but differed over length of contract, NJ Advance Media reported. The outlet also said that Schiano wanted unlimited use of a private jet and a $25.2 buyout should Rutgers want to terminate his contract in the early years. He also wanted the university to guarantee it would improve football facilities by 2023 to bring them more in line with those at other Big Ten schools.

In a statement released Sunday night, Rutgers said its coaching search is continuing but did not address the Schiano situation.

“It is anticipated that a new coach will be named shortly after the conclusion of the season,” the statement said. “As this is an active search, we will not comment on potential candidates during the process.”

Rutgers officials previously met with Schiano in Ohio, and he also discussed the job with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Schiano’s requests for capital improvements could have used an endorsement from Murphy since the state funds more than 20 percent of Rutgers’ budget.

The 53-year-old Schiano, a New Jersey native, coached the Scarlet Knights from 2001-11. He inherited a program that finished 15-51 in its previous six seasons. The team finished under .500 in Schiano’s first four seasons, but in his final seven, the Scarlet Knights were 56-33 and won five of six bowl games.

Rutgers was 68-67 in Schiano’s tenure, which ended when he became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also worked three seasons as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator.

Since Schiano left, Rutgers is 36-62, including a 2-9 record this season. Rutgers fired head coach Chris Ash in September.

Former Tennessee coach Butch Jones interviewed for the position but pulled his name out of contention earlier this month when it appeared Schiano would land the job. Other reported candidates include interim coach Nunzio Campanile or even his brother, Anthony, who is the linebackers coach at Michigan. The Campaniles are from a prominent coaching family in northern New Jersey.

Current FBS head coaches who have been rumored as candidates are Mississippi State’s Joe Moorhead and Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, who has had success recruiting in New Jersey.

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