After long, arduous searches to replace its offensive and defensive coordinators, multiple sources said Rutgers has filled both spots. The Scarlet Knights are set to hire veteran Ralph Friedgen as the team’s offensive coordinator and will promote young Joe Rossi to run the defense.
Friedgen was the former head coach at Maryland and offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers. He did not return a phone message, but multiple sources said a deal has been reached, and a source also confirmed Rossi — who was the special teams coordinator last season but served as interim defensive coordinator during the Pinstripe Bowl — would be elevated to the job full-time.
Friedgen, who is from Harrison in Westchester County, was 75-50 in 10 years as the Terrapins head coach, including being named ACC Coach of the Year twice. He was fired by his alma mater after winning the award for the second time following a 9-4 campaign in 2010. Friedgen, 66, hasn’t coached since, but would have a chance to face his old team when Rutgers plays at College Park, Md. on Nov. 29.
Friedgen’s résumé is as impressive as any coordinator Rutgers coach Kyle Flood could have hoped to hire following Ron Prince’s departure for the Lions. Friedgen was the offensive coordinator for undefeated Georgia Tech when it shared the national title in 1990, and then the Chargers when they went to the Super Bowl four years later.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Rossi is set for a promotion. He came to Rutgers in 2012 after a solid stint as defensive coordinator at Maine. He served two years as special teams coach, but after the firing of Dave Cohen, who was vindicated Tuesday of bullying chargers against a former player, Rossi served as interim coordinator against Notre Dame and saw the defense make marked improvement.
Rutgers also is pursuing Bob Fraser, who spent six years on the Scarlet Knights’ staff — including three as defensive coordinator — but was fired by the Buccaneers, after they got rid of former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano.