In 2001, Rutgers University went into a long, down period and decided to turn the program to New Jersey native Greg Schiano. Before taking the Rutgers' position, Schiano was the defensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes. Under his tutelage, the Canes were a top-10 ranked unit that included Jonathan Vilma and Ed Reed. Schiano was given the job to turn around the Scarlet Knights to be respectable. His first four seasons at Rutgers were bad (12-34 record, 3-24 conf.), but in 2005 was the turning point for the school as they went 7-5 and were eligible for a bowl game for the first time in 27 years.
2006 was the pinnacle for the Scarlet Knights. Led by quarterback Mike Teel and all-everything running back Ray Rice, Rutgers won a school record 11 wins and another bowl appearance and their first bowl win in history. This performance earned Schiano a slew of coach of the year awards and earned the school a final #12 ranking. The next few seasons would be more of the same: winning seasons and bowl appearances. But in 2010, tragedy struck the program as defensive tackle Eric LeGrand suffered a spinal injury that would leave him paralyzed. He has become an inspiration to a nation for his upbeat attitude and perseverance after the injury. 2011 was Schiano's final season as he would accept the head coaching job with the NFL' s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his 11 seasons, Schiano gave the Scarlet Knights more success that the football program has ever seen.
Kyle Flood, Schiano's assistant head coach, was promoted to head coach...and his tenure was something that resembled a nightmare. With reports of misconduct and players getting in trouble with the law, this administration was on thin ice. It was around that time Rutgers moved to the Big Ten, where they were actually successful in the first couple seasons. Despite having a so-so record during his tenure at Rutgers (27-24 record overall), Flood and the athletic director were fired after self-imposed penalties and NCAA levied penalties were sanctioned on the football program.
Chris Ash was hired in 2016, and in my opinion, due to the penalties and sanctions placed on the program, he didn't stand a chance. Earlier this season three games in, Ash was let go and the #1 candidate to become the head coach next season: Greg Schiano.
The Rutgers' downfall has points to where it actually began: LeGrand's injury, Schiano's departure to the NFL, Flood's failure to impose a well-run program or even, their move to the Big Ten. Rutgers has hit rock bottom, but has a chance to return to prominence.
But what we seen in the past few years has been a scarlet tragedy.
(Sources: Wikipedia, ESPN, Bleacher Report, Rutgers Football, NCAA.com)
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