Almost four years ago, the Rutgers head coaching job opened up as the program was reeling. At the time, former head coach Kyle Flood was relieved after a scandal in which he met with a professor about a student’s grades. There was also a dramatic decline in player discipline while the overall APR was plummeting.

There was also a big dropoff in recruiting, with Rutgers lacking playmakers on both sides of the football. Therefore, the prior coaching search needed a candidate that was going to restore the program to respectability both on and off the field.

Former head coach Chris Ash did a decent job of cleaning up the program, although there were still some incidents that required disciplinary actions. Ash improved recruiting at some positions as Rutgers now has some playmakers. Running backs Isaih Pacheco and Raheem Blackshear both have NFL potential while former four-star wide receiver Bo Melton has the ability to make big plays. Meanwhile, former four-star quarterback Artur Sitkowski looks like he has turned a corner over in his sophomore season.

The offensive line remains a struggle, although starting left tackle Raiqwon O’Neal is just a redshirt freshman and, as evidenced by his 30-plus offers, has a lot of tools.

Defensively, Rutgers has more speed on defense than it did four years ago, but there is still the need to improve its play on the defensive line. That all translates to a better foundation for the next head coach to build upon. Success does not need an entirely new offense and defense, but rather some more pieces to fit into each unit.

The next benefit making this job more appealing is the facilities. Rutgers has added new practice fields in the Marco Battaglia Practice Complex, which was funded by Jeff and Amy Towers. A new weight room was unveiled last year as the Ron and Joanna Garutti Strength and Conditioning Center provided a state-of-the-art workout facility. This past summer, the Brown Family Locker Room showed off Rutgers’ brand-new locker room area, compliments of Greg and Anna Brown. Ron and Joanna Garutti came back for an encore in late August, unveiling an impressive statue that welcomes guests as they enter the stadium. These facilities have helped Rutgers to be on par with other prominent Big Ten programs.

There is also the financial aspect to consider. Ash originally signed a five-year deal worth $11 million. But that was before Rutgers was even close to receiving a full share of Big Ten revenue. This time around, there are expectations for a higher payday coming to the next head coach.

Lastly, the next head coach will be able to be part of the Big Ten Conference. That means a chance to coach in one of the most historic and prestigious conferences in all of college athletics. It helps with exposure, recruiting while also competing at the highest level.

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