Rutgers University has announced that head football coach Greg Schiano will return for the 2027 season despite a 2-7 start to the 2026 campaign. Athletic director Keli Zinn stated that the decision reflects a belief in making meaningful changes to strengthen the roster rather than lowering standards.
The program faces a $78 million deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and Schiano's buyout after this season would be $17,296,875 — an expense the department cannot afford. The buyout drops to just over $11.7 million after the 2027 season.
Schiano, in his second stint at Rutgers, previously led the Scarlet Knights to back-to-back 7-6 seasons, which the university considers a benchmark of success. However, the widening financial gap in the Big Ten and a tougher schedule make reaching bowl eligibility a significant challenge.
If Rutgers fails to show tangible improvement in 2027, Schiano may not receive another opportunity, as another non-competitive season could prompt a change.
