Rutgers to retain head coach Greg Schiano amid another losing season

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are in the midst of another disappointing season with a 2-7 record entering the middle of November. 

Rutgers started the season with a stunning 37-21 loss to UMass at home, and it raised questions about whether or not head coach Greg Schiano was going to be fired. 

On Tuesday, Rutgers reportedly made a decision to keep Schiano around for another season, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. 

Rutgers keeping Greg Schiano amid hefty buyout

While Schiano's return might be a surprise, Thamel reported that it was something the administration decided, and there was a large buyout amount tied to the Rutgers head coach. 

"The decision comes after recent meetings with athletic director Keli Zinn to lay out a plan for improvement next year. Schiano’s contract runs through the 2029 season, and he’d have been owed $18.6 million if he’d been fired this year," Thamel reported on X. 

Schiano's buyout number garnered attention after the shocking loss to UMass, and things haven't gotten any better for the Scarlet Knights. 

Right now, Rutgers' only wins this season have come against Howard and Maryland. 

Schiano was at Rutgers as the head coach from 2001 through 2011, and he returned to the program in the same role in 2020. Schiano has a combined record of 101-115 at Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights have had five losing seasons since he returned. 

Nonetheless, Schiano is back for 2027.