Greg Schiano is a ‘Certified Nut Job’ – And His Former Boss Loves Him For It

Greg Schiano, the head coach of Rutgers football, has been called many things – but his former boss Urban Meyer just gave him one of the funniest compliments yet. Meyer, who won three national championships as a coach, says Schiano is a “certified nut job” when it comes to football… and he means it as a good thing.

Why Urban Meyer Calls Schiano a “Nut Job”

Urban Meyer and Greg Schiano worked together at Ohio State, where Schiano was the defensive coordinator. According to Meyer, Schiano was obsessed with details—especially when it came to stopping offenses in the final minutes of games.

Meyer joked that Schiano’s intense focus sometimes drove him crazy, but in a good way. “I would have to back him off,” Meyer said, laughing. But he also called Schiano an “excellent recruiter” and a “genuinely great person.”

Schiano’s Success at Ohio State

When Schiano was coaching Ohio State’s defense, the team had top-10 defenses and brought in elite recruiting classes. Meyer clearly trusted him—and the results proved Schiano’s “nut job” approach worked.

Now at Rutgers, Schiano is trying to rebuild the program with the same passion. And if Urban Meyer’s words mean anything, that passion is exactly what makes him a great coach.

Some of the best coaches are ha little crazy—and Greg Schiano might just be the perfect example. Would you want a “nut job” leading your team?