Rutgers will begin its hunt for a new athletic director after Pat Hobbs resigned on Friday.
Hobbs opted to step back for health concerns, and he informed Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway by email. Ryan Pisarri will serve as interim AD as the university searches for a permanent replacement.
“After meeting with my cardiac team this week and receiving the findings of my most recent round of tests, it is evident that I cannot continue to serve as Athletic Director due to the position’s responsibilities. I know that this is not the best moment to leave, but other issues must take precedence.”
Hobbs arrived at Rutgers with the daunting task of turning around the Big Ten athletic program. He was involved in the construction of various facilities on campus, including the new football practice facility, as well as the recruitment of qualified candidates to serve as head coaches in all sports, most notably the hiring of Steve Pikiell to coach men’s basketball. Hobbs also managed Greg Schiano’s hire, which was delayed due to several factors.
Moving forward, the next AD will need to work closely with Schiano.
The landscape of college sports has evolved. The desire for name, image, and likeness has come, and it plays a significant role in athletics. Rutgers has taken significant steps in recent years to encourage this and create a profitable environment for athletes. It goes without saying that the next AD will need to understand this.
The idea that college football reigns supreme may not be new. That is how things have been and will continue to be in the future. With Schiano firmly established as Rutgers’ head coach, the incoming AD must be willing to work together.
Hobbs reinstated Schiano as head coach in December 2019 following Chris Ash’s catastrophic tenure, which remains the low point of Hobbs’ time in Piscataway. Because of his previous work, there was widespread support for Schiano’s return. Schiano’s three Big Ten wins in 2020 raised hopes that he could turn things around.
In 2023, Schiano guided Rutgers to its first winning season since 2014. Rutgers Football’s arrow continues to point up, and this will be a top emphasis for the next athletic director.
Football reigns supreme at all levels. This might range from youth football to the NFL. As Rutgers begins its search for a new athletic director, Schiano and the football program will undoubtedly be at the forefront.
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