Rutgers football: Ralph Friedgen steps aside, Ben McDaniels new offensive coordinator

The stories started circulating and On the Banks reported them yesterday. Today the confirmation came via teleconference as Kyle Flood announced that Ralph Friedgen would be stepping down as offensive coordinator and going into an advisory role for Flood.  The veteran coach decided it was "time to smell the roses", a decision that was first discussed by he and Flood beginning right after signing day on February 4.

"Ralph and I had decided that we were going to sit down after signing day and just really take stock of the situation and have a conversation about what would be the best thing to do going forward", said Flood.  "As we had that conversation, my thoughts turned to who would be - who I thought would be the best person to lead our offense into the future, and it did not take me too long to decide that that would be Ben."

"Ben" is current Rutgers Wide Receivers coach Ben McDaniels.  McDaniels was hired prior to the 2014 season.  The soon-to-be 34-year old has considerable NFL experience with the Bucs and Broncos.  He is, of course, the brother of Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, and the Tweet on Super Bowl Sunday says it all.

This game has always been about family for me. On the biggest night in our sport, I wish my brother luck, call a good one, Go Pats!

— Ben McDaniels (@BenMcDanielsRU) February 1, 2015

Ben will also coach the quarterbacks.

With Fridge moving aside for McDaniels, Flood also announced several other changes on the offensive side of the ball. "Phil Galiano will transition from the recruiting office onto the field as our special teams coordinator and tight end coach, and Anthony Campanile will transition from tight ends to wide receivers."

Galiano has been the Energizer Bunny of recruiting coordinators.  Follow him on twitter and you're exhausted.  In his third go-round with Rutgers, most of his coaching has been on the defensive side of the ball.  Campanile, a 2004 RU grad, also was a defender as a player.  But through high school and college coaching, including a stint as Don Bosco Prep's OC, he has worked more with the offense.

A side question as far as Galiano's new position might be what the role is for current special teams coordinator Bob Fraser.  Fraser is in his second tour of duty with the Knights, having followed Greg Schiano to Tampa Bay.

On the Banks will continue to update this story as the day goes on and as information become available.