Scarlet Nation has the latest on the Rutgers men’s coaching situation in the aftermath of the firing of Dan Donigan. To provide some expert insight, we spoke with soccer expert Kristian Dyer who played soccer collegiately at Montclair State University and has covered the MLS and the United States national team for several years after getting his start at ESPN in 2006. In the past, Dyer has been on broadcast teams for Fios1 as well as the Big Ten Network for Rutgers men’s and women’s soccer games. Dyer currently covers soccer for The Athletic and is also the ‘Red Bulls Insider’ on the MSG Network. He was also a former contributor to Scarlet Nation.

Bobby Deren: How come Donigan could not get it done at Rutgers?

Kristian Dyer: Anyone who follows Rutgers football, basketball or wrestling knows that successful years are the result of recruiting. Outside of a couple of years, the men’s team has consistently struggled to pull in talent in recent years and didn’t recruit New Jersey well. Dan was well liked and tactically a very good coach. But the recruiting classes hurt him

Not recruiting the home state is a killer given the talent in this area as well as three MLS academy programs within an hour drive from Piscataway. The one thing I heard consistently is that the program didn’t recruit these academies. The Red Bulls Academy is arguably the best in the nation and Rutgers has failed to create a pipeline there. If the next coach does, then Rutgers could easily be a top 25 program in three years.

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BD: What does it take to build a winning men's soccer program at Rutgers?

KD: The facilities are there and the history is there. It will boil down to selling a vision. Whoever comes in should be competitive in a hurry if the top players in the state stay in New Jersey. I do think that a comprehensive effort to refurbish Yurcak Field is long overdue. New stands and shifting the benches as well as the press box to the opposite side of the field would be beneficial for a national audience on the Big Ten Network. But to be a success at Rutgers, it comes down to recruiting New Jersey and New York City. Creating a pipeline with the local academies could be huge.

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BD: What should Rutgers be looking for in a new coach?

KD: A new coach needn’t necessarily be a success at the college soccer level as, in recent years, former players have done well in creating excitement and enthusiasm. A young coach who is a former player could be a great hire. Five years at this job could see a coach transition to being an assistant at the MLS level or maybe even a head coach.

Some sort of roots in New Jersey would be helpful. The soccer community here is tight-knit. Being able to call the likes of a PDA or a Matchfit or Cedar Stars and instantly have that relationship would be key.

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BD: There are a few names floating around already for the job. What are your thoughts on these candidates: Tony Meola, Carlo Acquista, Dave Masur, Richie Williams?

KD: Tony Meola – He would really create a lot of excitement. He has good credentials as a former coach in the NASL and recently with the youth national teams. He checks a big box as a Jersey guy. A former MLS star, Meola played in two World Cups, had 100 appearances with the national team and still lives in the state. I could see him at the job for two decades. He is well connected and respected. He’s also very comfortable on air as an analyst for FS1 and SiriusXM so that could pay dividends in terms of exposure. If he wants the job, he’d be a top candidate in my opinion.

Carlo Acquista – An interesting name, Acquista did a tremendous job at Adelphi. Now a scout with the Red Bulls, he’s young and energetic. Highly connected. A former standout at St. John’s, his name would resonate. Very personable. Would be a hit on the recruiting trail. He is from Long Island so he knows the area. His connection to Red Bull and their vaunted academy could pay immediate dividends. He might be the best recruiter reasonably linked to the team. The guy is lightning– pure electricity when he enters a room.

Dave Masur – Another Jersey guy, Dave has had a lot of success at St. John’s. The team has had some difficult seasons but well respected. I’m not sure about the fit currently as this might be a hire that made sense seven or eight years ago. Still, he is as respected and liked as they come.

Richie Williams – Whoever suggested this on the Scarlet Nation message boards has brought up an intriguing name. Williams is a former MLS and national team midfielder, so the guy is well known. He’s currently an assistant with the national team but that is under an interim head coach so he could be available. As far as coaching chops, he’s twice been an interim head coach in MLS in his own right. He’s also a Jersey guy. I would be very interested to see if he wants the job because it could be a fit.