Rutgers Basketball Coach Secures Staff Extensions After Tough Season
UPDATE: Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell has successfully achieved a major offseason goal by retaining his coaching staff amidst a challenging season. Just moments after the Scarlet Knights faced a disappointing 15-17 finish and a first-round exit at the Big Ten Tournament, Pikiell emphasized the importance of keeping his team intact.
In a decisive move, Rutgers has signed extensions for all key assistant coaches, including TJ Thompson, Marlon Williamson, and Jay Young, as well as vital support staffers Mike Larkin, Steve Hayn, and Scott Scherer. Their previous contracts expired on June 30, but thanks to a public records request from NJ Advance Media, details of the new agreements have come to light.
Strength and conditioning coach David Van Dyke also secured a two-year extension following the expiration of his previous deal. Notably, associate head coach Brandin Knight will remain with the Scarlet Knights through the 2027-28 season, with a total compensation of $825,000 this winter. This package includes a salary of $725,000 and a retention bonus of $100,000 if he remains with the team on September 15.
All staff members will see significant pay increases as part of their extensions. Highlights include:
– Thompson: New salary of $397,900, up from $386,250.
– Williamson: Scheduled to earn $320,000, a raise of $20,000 from last year.
– Young: Set to earn $160,000, an increase of $1,000.
– Hayn: Will earn $212,300, a raise of $6,300.
– Larkin: New salary will be $127,400, up $3,800.
– Van Dyke: Scheduled to earn $217,300, an increase of $7,300.
The coaching staff is determined to rebound from last season’s struggles, where they made history by missing the NCAA Tournament despite having two players drafted in the top five of the 2025 NBA Draft. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey were selected second and fifth overall by the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz, respectively, marking a first in college basketball history.
As the Scarlet Knights prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on harnessing the potential of their talented roster and overcoming the challenges that have haunted the program. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this stable coaching staff can transform the team’s fortunes in the 2025-26 season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rutgers basketball as preparations ramp up for what will undoubtedly be a critical season.
