Rutgers keeps Greg Schiano despite money problems

Rutgers University announced on November 10, 2026, that Greg Schiano will return as head football coach for the 2027 season. The decision ends speculation about the future of the program after a difficult stretch of play. The Knights finished the recent regular season with a 2-7 record. That result keeps the team out of a bowl game for the second year in a row.

The team’s record in Big Ten conference play over the last two seasons is 3-12. Despite these numbers, Schiano remains the winningest coach in school history. He holds 101 career victories. That total is 23 wins more than the next best coach in Rutgers history. He has also been on the sideline for nine of the school’s 13 bowl appearances.

Athletics Director Keli Zinn said the decision was not a sign that the recent results were acceptable. She stated that the performance does not meet the expectations for the football team or the wider athletics program. Zinn explained that her duty is to act in the long-term interest of the university. She noted that the move allows the staff to make roster changes to improve the team’s competitive standing.

The financial situation drives much of this decision. If Rutgers had fired Schiano immediately, the university would have owed him a buyout of slightly more than $17 million. While that is a large amount, it is not unusual for college football. The bigger issue is that Rutgers struggles to afford the costs of competing in the Big Ten. The athletic department operated with a $78 million deficit during the 2024-25 season.

Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014. The move was part of a deal to help the conference’s cable network expand into the New York and New Jersey markets. Since then, the costs of running a major athletic program have risen. Teams now pay players who act like free agents, which adds pressure to school budgets.

Rutgers has struggled to provide value to the conference. In the 24-team playoff format, 19 spots are available for at-large bids. When Rutgers loses to non-conference teams like UMass, it can weaken the resumes of other Big Ten teams. There is a clear difference in how three-loss teams are viewed in the SEC compared to the Big Ten.

The issues extend to basketball. Since joining the Big Ten, the men’s basketball team has reached the NCAA Tournament only twice. The cable market advantage Rutgers once offered is fading. As the conference’s TV deal expires, it is unclear if broadcasters will prioritize Rutgers games. New legislation may also cap the number of teams in a conference, which could lead to schools replacing underperforming members.