UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Rutgers is in deep negotiations with Greg Schiano to be its next coach, two state officials with knowledge of the discussions told NJ Advance Media on Saturday.

"They’re at the (negotiating) table,“ one official said.

Another person familiar with the situation said Gov. Phil Murphy and his chief of staff, George Helmy, have been in contact with Schiano in recent days.

This official said their focus is making sure Rutgers has a successful football program in the Big Ten.

Murphy’s office declined to comment Saturday afternoon.

NJ.com’s Rutgers Sports Insider first reported Murphy’s involvement in this latest round of negotiations on Saturday.

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The officials interviewed for this story requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the Rutgers negotiations with Schiano.

NJ Advance Media reported Wednesday that Rutgers and Schiano re-engaged each other, generating even more optimism the two sides can find a way to salvage a deal to bring Schiano back as the Scarlet Knights football coach.

Once a deal gets finalized, Rutgers will call for a special Board of Governors meeting in order to approve the contract. A special BOG meeting requires a 48-hour public notice.

Rutgers officials and Schiano first met to discuss the vacancy on Nov. 5. The negotiations dragged for nearly three weeks before Schiano reportedly withdrew his name for consideration on Sunday, Nov. 24.

The failed courtship sparked intense pressure from a large portion of Rutgers’ football fan base and generated interest in Trenton, according to two state lawmakers who said they discussed the issue with Murphy earlier this week.

Rutgers lost to Penn State, 27-6, in its season finale here at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

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NJ Advance Media staff writers James Kratch and Steve Politi contributed to this report.

Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KSargeantNJ. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.