Rutgers Football Fires Co-Defensive Coordinators, Defensive Line Coach

Rutgers football has officially parted ways with co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber, as well as defensive line coach Colin Ferrell, with FootballScoop’s John Brice being the first to report the news.

Schiano had hired Smith and Sparber in February of this year after a lengthy search and came into the season with hope and optimism for both coordinators.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with Robb again,” Schiano said in Rutgers’ press release at the time of the hiring. “He is one of the most intelligent football coaches I have ever been around. In Zach, we are hiring a rising star in the profession, who has proven to be a great communicator. Together, I am confident they will lead our defense to new heights. We are thrilled to welcome them both back to New Jersey.

Things did not go according to expectations for the Scarlet Knights’ defense, with Rutgers falling to 115th in scoring defense, allowing 31.83 points per game. In total defense, the Knights ranked 126th nationally, allowing a whopping 432.8 yards per game, with Oregon producing a mind-blowing 750 yards of offense against Rutgers.

Against the run, the Scarlet Knights were particularly bad, ranking 129th in the country by allowing an FBS-worst 6.79 yards per carry and sixth-worst 209.9 rushing yards per game. In conference play, Rutgers allowed 7.9 yards per play, which was the highest rate since 2000 and presumably one of the worst rates in Big Ten history.

Although the defense seemed to show some improvement in wins over Purdue and Maryland, and even in a loss to Ohio State, the Scarlet Knights gave up over 500 yards to Penn State, including 300 rushing yards. Rutgers allowed a 53-yard pass play for a touchdown and several 50-plus yard runs to both Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton in a heartbreaking 40-36 loss to end the season.

Smith was in his third stint at Rutgers, having served as the special teams coordinator from 2009-2011, coaching various defensive position groups, before moving to defensive coordinator in 2012. He reprised his role as Rutgers’ DC from 2020-21, and he also worked with Greg Schiano as the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach in 2013.

Sparber had led James Madison to a top-25 defense in 2024 before joining Rutgers as a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Ferrell was in his second season with the Scarlet Knights after 11 years with Kent State, including as an interim head coach and as defensive line and outside linebackers coach.

With Schiano’s decision to clean house, Rutgers will begin the search for their next defensive coordinator immediately. After months of clamoring for wholesale changes to be made on the defense, Scarlet Knights fans will have their wish fulfilled as the defense has nowhere to go but up after a historically bad 2025 season.

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