Steve Pikiell Secures Key Offseason Goal by Retaining Rutgers Basketball Staff

Steve Pikiell’s offseason goal was to keep his coaching staff together. This followed one of Rutgers’ worst basketball seasons. Even while other shows wanted Pikiell, he succeeded. The Scarlet Knights will be more stable for a crucial new season.

Pikiell publicly expressed concern that other colleges would hire his assistant coaches. However, Rutgers retained much of its basketball personnel this summer. Supporters include Mike Larkin, Steve Hayn, and Scott Scherer. Assistant coaches TJ Thompson, Marlon Williamson, and Jay Young got one-year extensions. David Van Dyke, strength and conditioning coach, signed a two-year contract. Brandin Knight might coach there till 2027–28.

This wave of extensions kept workers employed and gave them salary hikes. Thompson, Williamson, Young, Hayn, Larkin, and Van Dyke received raises before 2025–26. Thompson will get $397,900, Williamson $320,000, and Van Dyke $217,300. The curriculum adjustments reflect that the school intends to reward perseverance and hard work.

Teammate Brandin Knight has one of the longest and best deals, demonstrating his importance to the project. His deal includes a retention bonus if he stays at Rutgers until mid-September. This indicates the company desires strong leaders.

Pikiell prioritizes personnel safety over contract count. After a season that ended in the Big Ten Tournament first round, he knows that keeping things the same behind the scenes will help the players recover and create the correct tone. By keeping his teachers and support staff, Pikiell has helped Rutgers basketball recover and improve.

With staff and loyalty, Rutgers basketball can start the year with a new purpose. Pikiell’s triumph may not erase last year’s issues, but it boosts the team’s morale and unites them in their Big Ten pursuits.

Sources

NJ Advance Media
Rutgers Athletics Documents