Rutgers University announced Tuesday that head football coach Greg Schiano will return for the 2027 season, his eighth year of his second stint and 19th overall, despite a 2-7 start to the 2026 campaign.
Athletic director Keli Zinn stated that while results are not acceptable, the decision serves the long-term interests of the university, citing a $78 million athletic department deficit in 2024-25. Schiano's buyout after this season would be $17,296,875, which the program cannot afford.
Zinn emphasized the decision does not lower standards, but reflects a belief that funds should be directed toward roster improvement rather than a coaching change. The Scarlet Knights risk their worst season since 2019 (2-10) and Schiano's worst since 2002 (1-11).
The challenge remains building a competitive roster amid financial constraints and a tougher Big Ten schedule with nine conference games plus a Power Four non-conference game. Success is defined as bowl eligibility and respectability, as seen in back-to-back 7-6 seasons that earned Schiano an extension.
Schiano's buyout drops to just over $11.7 million after 2027; another non-competitive season could end his tenure.
