ESPN college football writer and insider Pete Thamel broke the news that Robb Smith would be returning to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights once again next season. In the same social media release, Thamel outlined how Smith is back for a third time as the program’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive play caller.

Smith was Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2020-21, Schiano’s first two seasons back in Piscataway. He was also on Schiano’s coaching staff from 2009-11, and rejoined Schiano with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 as the team’s linebackers coach.

The Scarlet Knights are set to hire James Madison linebackers coach Zach Sparber as a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, according to multiple reports. Sparber played for Bergen Catholic and spent the 2017 season as the Crusaders’ offensive line coach. He was a two-year starter in high school and played college football at Brown.

Greg Schiano is bringing a familiar face back to Rutgers to run his defense. Robb Smith, a veteran defensive coordinator in college football, is expected to join the Knights staff as their new co-defensive coordinator and play caller,