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Robb Smith will be helping to run Rutgers football’s defense once again.
Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano is hiring Smith, who’s worked on his coaching staff in two previous stints, as the team’s co-defensive coordinator along with Bergen Catholic graduate Zach Sparber.
Smith was Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2020-21, Schiano’s first two seasons back in Piscataway. He was also on Schiano’s coaching staff from 2009-11, and rejoined Schiano with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 as the team’s linebackers coach.
Smith spent the past two seasons as an analyst at Penn State after working for one season as Duke’s defensive coordinator.
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ESPN was first to report Smith’s hiring. It also reported that Smith will be the defensive play-caller.
Schiano needed a new defensive coordinator after Joe Harasymiak left in December to become the head coach at the University of Massachusetts.
Smith has also been the defensive coordinator at Minnesota (2017-18) and Arkansas (2014-16). After Schiano left for the Buccaneers following the 2011 season, Smith remained at Rutgers for one season as Kyle Flood’s defensive coordinator in 2012.
Smith and Sparber are taking over a unit that’s going to be replacing major impact players next season, including linebacker Tyreem Powell, defensive end Aaron Lewis, defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton and cornerback Robert Longerbeam, among others.
Rutgers does return Mohamed Toure at linebacker – Toure missed this past season with a torn ACL.
The Scarlet Knights also revamped their defensive line, which included bringing in James Madison transfer defensive end Eric O’Neill and Ohio transfer edge…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/robb-smith-returning-rutgers-football-142114923.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2025-02-04 14:21:00
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