Head Coach Chris Ash Out at Rutgers

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After starting the season 1-3, the brass at Rutgers decided it was time for a change. Chris Ash, who took over the program in 2016, was let go by the university, according to NJ.com reporter Keith Sargeant. Ash had an 8-32 record at Rutgers, including a 52-0 loss in their most recent game at Michigan.

In Rutgers’ circles, the move comes as no surprise, and it’s also a welcomed change. Rutgers has been the doormat of the Big 10 for some time now and on offense, they cannot stretch the field whatsoever. For instance, against Michiagn, quarterback Artur Sitkowski averaged a measly 4.4 yards per attempt. That’s awful by college football standards, but it’s the trend for this program. Last year, in 11 games, Sitkowski averaged even less per attempt (4.2 ypa) and the team won just one game.

While reporting the firing, ESPN listed a few names who could potentially replace Ash:

Rutgers went 8-5 in its Big Ten debut season of 2014 but hasn’t won more than four games since. Former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who went 68-67 in 11 seasons and led the Scarlet Knights to six bowl appearances, could be a leading candidate to return. Schiano spent the past three seasons as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator and briefly joined the New England Patriots’ staff earlier this year before stepping down.

Other potential candidates include Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko, Army coach Jeff Monken, former Tennessee coach Butch Jones and Michigan linebackers coach Anthony Campanile.

(via ESPN)

Offensive coordinator John McNulty was also relieved of his duties on Sunday. Nunzio Campanile, the tight ends coach under Ash, will serve as the team’s interim head coach.