Rutgers Football's search for its 10th assistant coach has come to an end today as the program announced that former James Madison Defensive Coordinator / Defensive ends coach Corey Hetherman has been hired to become the Scarlet Knights' next linebackers coach.
"Corey has had success at every level," Schiano said. "He is a passionate teacher and coach who has a history working with our new defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak. We are thrilled to have him and his fiancée Julie join the Rutgers Football Family."
Hetherman is an Oxford, Massachusetts native, who comes to Piscataway after three seasons at James Madison, where he was the defensive ends coach and Defensive Coordinator.
This past season was a big one for Hetherman as his defense was considered one of the best in the entire country at the FCS level, as the Dukes led the country in turnover margin (+ 17) and also ranked second in total defense giving up 256 yards per game to opposing offenses. These stats were good enough for him to be recognized by the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) as they named him the 2021 FCS Assistant Coach of the Year.
But how did he end up at Rutgers? Hetherman actually coached at Springfield College back in 2007 when current Scarlet Knights DC Joe Harasymiak was in his senior year with the program. The two would then go on to coach again at Maine in 2014 where Harasymiak was the DC before he was promoted to HC in 2015 and then Hetherman would go on to be his DC for the Black Bears from 2015-2018.
Now the question is what role does former Rutgers linebackers coach Bob Fraser play on the staff, with Hetherman coming in as linebackers coach? Some of you may have caught what Schiano mentioned in his presser yesterday, as it seems there will be some movement along the staff.
"You know the old saying you've got to get them on the bus, but you've got to get them on the right seats on the bus, as well," Schiano said during his NSD presser. "That's really been my challenge. I think within not too long, I'll be able to make some announcements on that, but just not ready quite today."
Stay tuned for more on Hetherman and other Rutgers Football news right here on The Knight Report!
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE.....
2006: Fitchburg State (QB)
2006: Carinthian Black Lions (OC)
2006-07:: Kings College (Intern)
2007-09: Springfield College (GA)
2009-10: Northeastern (OLBs)
2010: Western New England College (OC)
2011: Old Dominion (OLBs)
2012-13: Old Dominion (Def. Run Game / LB)
2014: Pace (DC/LB)
2015: Maine (DL)
2016-18: Maine (DC)
2019-21: James Madison (DC/DE)
2021: James Madison (DC/AHC/DL)
2022-PRESENT: Rutgers (LB)
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