Greg Schiano is leaving Rutgers to become the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’ve had several opportunities over the years and none of them felt right,” Schiano told The Star-Ledger of Newark as he left Rutgers’ football facility Thursday night. “This time, this one felt right.”
The Buccaneers scheduled a press conference for Friday to introduce Schiano, who inherits a team that allowed the most points in the NFL this season.
“Coach Schiano is a bright, meticulous teacher who knows how to get the most out of his players,” general manager Mark Dominik said. “He built and ran a pro-style program at Rutgers, and he’s a defensive-minded coach whose teams have always been characterized by toughness and a physical style of play.”
Schiano was not known to be in the running for the position, but he met with Tampa Bay on Wednesday for the second time and worked into the night working out contract details. The Bucs were the ones to reach out to Schiano.
Schiano, 45, has been the head coach of Rutgers since 2001, helping to turn the Big East program around. After not appearing in bowl game since 1978, Schiano has led the Scarlet Knights to six in the past seven seasons.
The university named offensive line coach Kyle Flood interim head coach Thursday.
Schiano received praise Thursday morning from Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Belichick’s son, Stephen, was the backup long snapper for Rutgers this season.
“Obviously, he’s done a great job at Rutgers,” Belichick said as the Patriots prepare to play the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.