Reports: Greg Schiano To Leave Rutgers, Coach NFL's Buccaneers
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- It seems Rutgers coach Greg Schiano is taking his "Keep Choppin'" mantra to the NFL.
According to multiple reports, Schiano has agreed to a five-year deal to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers fired Raheem Morris earlier this month after finishing last (4-12) in the NFC South. On Monday, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly pulled himself from consideration for the opening in Tampa Bay.
"Really?" Rutgers' Eric LeGrand tweeted Thursday morning. "Not going to lie I am a little bit shocked right now."
Schiano will reportedly leave Rutgers with a 68-67 record spanning 11 seasons.
His departure couldn't have come at a worse time with national signing day less than a week away. Without Schiano, who was known for his ability to recruit, Rutgers could struggle to lock up commitments from top high school prospects. Recruits can sign national letters of intent starting Wednesday.
Schiano's big break came in 1991, when late Penn State coach Joe Paterno hired him as the Nittany Lions' defensive backs coach. He then served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bears from 1996-98.
From there, the University of Miami tabbed Schiano as defensive coordinator for two seasons. In Dec. 2000, Schiano agreed to coach the Scarlet Knights in his native New Jersey.
The 45-year-old Schiano won five of six bowl games with Rutgers, his lone loss coming at the 2005 Insight Bowl against Arizona State.
In 2006, Schiano led the university to their first Top 25 ranking in 30 years.
After suffering through a 4-8 record in 2010, the Scarlet Knights rebounded to 9-4 this past season.
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