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As the Rutgers football program continues its search for an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach to replace the retired Jerry Kill, Rutgers is reportedly already planning to use the new NCAA rule increase its coaching staff from 9 to 10 members.
In April 2017, the NCAA approved an increase of assistant coaches on staff from 9 to10 members and it goes into effect on January 9th.
According to a report by Ryan Dunleavy of NJ Advance Media, Toby Neinas, who head coach Chris Ash added to the staff in 2016 as the director of player personnel, will reportedly be promoted to an assistant coaching position when the new rule comes into place.
Sources: #Rutgers will promote Toby Neinas to on-field coach next week. In what role? What does that mean for the makeup of the staff? https://t.co/izdlQ1r8uY #njfootball #b1g
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) January 3, 2018
Neinas came to Rutgers with over 20 years in college football including stops at Colorado, coaching special teams, Montana and New Mexico.
Neinas has held assistant coaching positions at San Diego State, Temple, UAB and North Carolina in the past. His stint at Temple coincided with both the devastating Rutgers loss to Temple “in the rain” in 2002, and he was part of the staff that Rutgers beat in 2003 for the first Big East road win of the Greg Schiano era.
According to Dunleavy’s report, Neinas is expected to coach a “to-be-determined” defensive position group, as well as the kickers and punters.
Neinas has handled special teams and kickers in the past and he helped coach punter Michael Hughes while at San Diego State. Hughes garnered All-American honorable mention honors in 2007.
Rutgers will need help in the kicking and punting game as both kicker Andrew Harte and punter Ryan Anderson have completed their eligibility.