Report: O-Line Coach A.J. Blazek Leaving Rutgers For North Dakota State

It was reported by James Kratch of NJ Advance Media on Wednesday morning that Rutgers offensive line coach has left the program and is landing at FCS power North Dakota State.

Blazek, who was named assistant head coach last year after almost leaving to work at Iowa, has been a member of the Rutgers coaching staff since head coach Chris Ash arrived. While he was a solid recruiter, bringing in highly recruited players like Micah Clark and Raiqwon O’Neal, the performance of the offensive line during his tenure hasn’t been where it needs to be for Rutgers to win in the Big Ten. With Blazek leaving, the only assistant coach remaining that was originally part of Ash’s staff is special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Vince Okruch.

This is the first change to the offensive staff this offseason. Additional moves have seen Henry Baker return to the secondary in replacing Cory Robinson, as well as Andy Buh replacing Jay Niemann as defensive coordinator. It’s also been reported that outside linebackers/specialists coach Toby Neinas has left the program, so there are two openings on the staff for Ash to fill this offseason as of now.