Greg Schiano: NFL & College Football Coach Bio

Greg Schiano is a veteran American football coach best known for his work at both the collegiate and professional levels. Born on June 1, 1966, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Schiano has built a reputation for turning around struggling programs and emphasizing tough, disciplined defense.

Playing Career

• Schiano played college football as a linebacker at Bucknell University from 1985 to 1988.

Coaching Career

• Early Career: Schiano began his coaching journey soon after his playing days, serving as an assistant at Rutgers, Penn State, and the University of Miami (FL). At Miami, he was notably the defensive coordinator for a powerhouse Hurricanes defense.
• Rutgers University (2001–2011, 2020–present): Schiano became head coach of Rutgers in 2001, inheriting a struggling program. Over 11 seasons, he led Rutgers to multiple bowl games and a remarkable turnaround, including an 11-2 record and a top-12 national ranking in
  2006. He returned to Rutgers as head coach in 2020 and continues to lead the Scarlet Knights.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–2013): Schiano was hired as head coach of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He coached the team for two seasons, finishing with a 11-21 record before being let go after the 2013 season.
• Other Notable Roles: Schiano has also held roles as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Ohio State University (2016–2018), where he helped develop one of the nation’s top defenses.

Coaching Highlights & Accomplishments

• 2006 National Coach of the Year (several publications) after leading Rutgers to one of their best seasons in school history.
• Led Rutgers to six bowl appearances during his first tenure.
• Known for recruiting and developing NFL-caliber talent, including Ray Rice and Devin McCourty.
• Respected for his defensive expertise and ability to rebuild programs.

Legacy & Reputation

• Schiano is widely credited with putting Rutgers football on the national map.
• Though his NFL tenure was brief, he remains a sought-after college coach, recognized for his intensity, organization, and ability to motivate players.

Legacy & Career Overview

Greg Schiano: NFL Head Coach and Football Leader

Greg Schiano is a well-respected American football coach known for his strong defensive acumen, passionate leadership style, and significant impact at both the collegiate and professional levels. Though perhaps best known for his transformative tenure at Rutgers University, Schiano also served as the head coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cementing his legacy as a determined, detail-oriented football mind.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on June 1, 1966, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Greg Schiano grew up with a love for football. He attended Ramapo High School where he first showcased his football talent. Schiano went on to play college football at Bucknell University from 1985 to 1988, where he played linebacker and was recognized for his work ethic, football intelligence, and leadership on the field. Although he was not an NFL player, his playing days laid the foundation for his future coaching philosophy and approach.

Coaching Career Beginnings

After graduating from Bucknell, Schiano immediately began his coaching journey:

• 1989: Rutgers University – Graduate Assistant
• 1990: Penn State – Graduate Assistant, then promoted to Defensive Backs Coach (1991–1995)
• 1996–1997: University of Miami – Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach

At Miami, Schiano quickly developed a reputation as one of the brightest young defensive minds in college football, helping to produce a secondary that would later send several players to the NFL.

Rise Through the NFL Ranks

Schiano’s success at Miami led to a leap to the NFL, where he became the Defensive Backs Coach for the Chicago Bears from 1998 to
1999. His work with the Bears' secondary was well-regarded, setting the stage for his eventual return to college football as a head coach.

Transforming Rutgers Football

In 2001, Schiano was hired as the head coach at Rutgers University, a program that had struggled for decades. Over more than a decade (2001–2011), Schiano transformed Rutgers from a perennial underdog into a respected competitor in the Big East Conference. Notable highlights include:

• 2006: Led Rutgers to an 11–2 record, the most wins in school history, and a victory over Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.
• Produced multiple NFL players, including Ray Rice, Kenny Britt, and Devin McCourty.
• Named the 2006 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and Walter Camp Coach of the Year.
• Rutgers ranked as high as #7 nationally in 2006, a remarkable achievement for the program.

Schiano’s tenure with the Scarlet Knights ended with a 68–67 record, but his real legacy was the culture of discipline, toughness, and academic accountability he instilled.

NFL Head Coaching: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In January 2012, Schiano was hired as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the ninth head coach in franchise history. His time in Tampa Bay (2012–2013) was marked by a strong emphasis on discipline and defensive football. His teams:

• Posted a 7–9 record in his first season (2012), showing improvement over previous years.
• Led the NFL in rushing defense in 2012, allowing only 82.5 yards per game.
• Oversaw the development of key players such as Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy.

Despite his efforts, Schiano was dismissed after a 4–12 campaign in 2013, finishing his NFL head coaching stint with an overall record of 11–
21.

Return to College and Recent Career

After leaving the NFL, Schiano continued his career at the highest levels of college football:

• 2016–2018: Served as Defensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach at Ohio State under Urban Meyer, overseeing one of the nation’s top defenses and helping the Buckeyes to a Big Ten Championship in 2017.
• 2019: Briefly accepted a position at the New England Patriots, but ultimately did not coach there due to personal reasons.
• 2019–Present: Returned as Rutgers Head Coach, aiming to once again rebuild the Scarlet Knights’ football program.

Coaching Style and Legacy

Greg Schiano is known for his meticulous preparation, motivational skills, and defensive expertise. His teams are typically noted for their physicality, attention to detail, and resilience. Schiano’s coaching tree and influence extend through both college and professional football, with many of his former assistants and players moving on to successful careers.

Relevant Facts and Accomplishments

• Named National Coach of the Year (2006) by multiple organizations.
• Produced numerous NFL players, especially defensive backs and linebackers.
• Known for innovative defensive schemes and an ability to turn around struggling programs.
• Holds the record for most wins in Rutgers football history.
• Respected for his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

While Greg Schiano’s NFL head coaching career was brief, his influence on the game—especially at the collegiate level—is significant and enduring. He remains a highly respected figure in football circles, admired for his leadership, integrity, and football intellect.