Now that its pursuit of Greg Schiano is likely dead, Rutgers may have its eyes set on one of his former assistants.

Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, a Montvale native who worked for Schiano at Rutgers and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has emerged as one of the names atop the Scarlet Knights’ list as their coaching search begins anew, several individuals with knowledge of the process told NJ Advance Media.

Hafley, 40, will be a prominent coaching candidate with many potential suitors given the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes’ defensive success in his first season in Columbus. But if Rutgers can offer the level of salary and support it was ready to pledge to Schiano before negotiations break apart, the Scarlet Knights should have a chance to land the well-respected assistant. Rutgers would like to finalize a hire quickly after Saturday’s season finale at Penn State, insiders say.

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Hafley has never been a head coach - Rutgers was expected to put an emphasis on experience in a top role following former coach Chris Ash’s struggles as a first-time head coach - but he is considered a dynamic recruiter and strong tactician. Hafley, who also has extensive NFL coaching experience, has been highly successful recruiting New Jersey and the Northeast during his career.

One potential complication for Rutgers with Hafley: If Ohio State wins the Big Ten and qualifies for the College Football Playoff, would he leave the Buckeyes to get started at Rutgers immediately or stay on through the rest of their season? The CFP semifinals are Dec. 28 and the national title game is Jan. 13, and Rutgers may prefer its coach hit the ground running full-time as soon as possible given the rebuilding process that lies ahead. Ash split time between Ohio State and Rutgers when he was hired in late 2015 and the Buckeyes were only playing in the non-CFP Fiesta Bowl.

NJ Advance Media previously reported Michigan linebackers coach Anthony Campanile is also a top candidate. Campanile, 37, is a former Scarlet Knights player and assistant. He has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Michigan with no buyout penalty if he accepts a job at Rutgers. Campanile’s brother, Rutgers interim head coach Nunzio Campanile, is not expected to be a candidate for the permanent job.

Former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema is also on Rutgers’ radar, according to sources. Bielema, who turns 50 in January, is currently the New England Patriots’ defensive line coach. He won three Big Ten titles and coached in two Rose Bowls with the Badgers (athletics director Barry Alvarez led the team in a third after Bielema took the Arkansas job), but struggled in the SEC. Like Hafley, timing issues could be a concern if the Patriots make another Super Bowl run.

Former Tennessee, Central Michigan and Cincinnati coach Butch Jones, the only other known candidate to interview with Rutgers since Ash’s firing, is not believed to currently be a main focus. But the former Rutgers graduate assistant could re-emerge depending on how the process unfolds in the coming days.

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.