Rutgers is on the search for a new athletics director.
Pat Hobbs has resigned the position after nine years due to health concerns.
“After meeting with my cardiac team this week and having just been apprised of the results of my latest round of testing, it is clear that I can not continue to serve as Athletic Director given the requirements of the position,” Hobbs, 64, wrote in an email to school president Jonathan Holloway. “I recognize this is not the ideal timeframe to depart, however other factors need to take precedence.”
Ryan Pisarri will have the role on an interim basis, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Hobbs’ big move as AD was bringing back Greg Schiano as head football coach in 2019.
The decision to bring back Schiano, who previously coached the Scarlet Knights from 2001-11, came after Hobbs’ first football hire, Chris Ash, went a disastrous 8-32.
The football team went 7-6 last season.
One of the reasons Hobbs’ resignation qualifies as a stunner is that the basketball program appears to be on a big upward trajectory.
Head basketball coach Steve Pikiell has recruited two of the three top players in the country for this season’s incoming freshman class — Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.
“There’s Duke, Kentucky, UConn — all the big programs — but why not be a trailblazer and stay home?’ ” Harper, the son of former Bulls great Ron Harper, said when he announced his commitment.
Overall, Rutgers had the fourth-best recruiting class in the country in 2024, according to 247.
This comes after Rutgers won an NCAA Tournament game in 2023, its first victory in the Big Dance in 31 years.
“I truly believe we are writing the greatest chapter in Rutgers history and I am confident that you will continue to do so. I has been an honor and a priviege to serve with you,” Hobbs wrote in his resignation letter. “I look forward to enjoying all your success this season and in the years ahead.”
