Rutgers Keeps Greg Schiano for 2027 Despite 2-7 Record, AD Says
Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn confirmed that head coach Greg Schiano will return for the 2027 season, even though the Scarlet Knights are 2-7. Zinn said the decision does not signal lower standards, while reports link it to a $28 million buyout.
Rutgers will bring back head coach Greg Schiano for the 2027 football season, athletic director Keli Zinn said in a statement, despite a 2-7 record this year.
Reports of the decision spread before Zinn confirmed it. Schiano is in his second stint at Rutgers, in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Rutgers fell to 2-7 with a loss to Wisconsin. Schiano is now 33-47 in his second spell with the program, including 16-43 in Big Ten play.
Zinn tried to head off the obvious reading. "Let me be very clear: this decision is not reflective of a lowering of standards or an indication that everything is fine. It is not," she said.
The buyout question
Many reports tie the decision to money. Schiano is the highest-paid employee in New Jersey, and he and his staff are owed $28 million over the next three years.
Schiano would have been owed just under 77% of his contract had Rutgers let him go. Zinn did not mention the buyout in the statement text released.
She did say that hiring and retention decisions involve "several factors," especially in football and basketball. She said she weighed them and consulted university leadership before deciding.
What Zinn said about the season
Zinn called the season well below expectations. "Our results are not acceptable for the expectations we have for our football program and for the athletics program we are building," she said.
She described the decision as a bet on change rather than a reward for results. She said she and Schiano have met repeatedly and that she is encouraged by the plan he developed.
The plan, she said, centers on "meaningful changes" to strengthen the roster. Zinn added that both she and Schiano recognize plans alone do not produce wins.
She also spoke directly to supporters. "I know our fans are tired of hearing about what Rutgers Football can become," Zinn said. "You want to see results and it's our responsibility to make sure we deliver."
Zinn said she remains committed to building an athletics department that student-athletes, coaches, donors, corporate partners, alumni and fans can be proud of. Rutgers has not said what changes to the roster or staff Schiano plans.
