On the Banks of the Old Raritan
– via NJ.com –
If Kyle Flood’s background offers any kind of glimpse into his future as Rutgers’ next head football coach, the program’s first — and elusive — Big East title may not be far off.
Flood, a product of the same high school (St. Francis Prep in Queens, N.Y.) that counts Vince Lombardi, Joe Torre and former Scarlet Knight stars Marco Battaglia and Bill Pickel among its distinguished alumni, was announced by the school as Rutgers’ 29th head coach today.
For Flood, the longest-tenured assistant on Greg Schiano’s staff, the announcement caps a whirlwind six days that started when Schiano unexpectedly left last Thursday after 11 seasons in Piscataway to become the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I don’t make any assumptions in this business,” Flood said. “When you’re given the opportunity to do a job and it’s a job you’re really excited about, it’s something where you don’t hesitate.”
Flood said his focus, while bringing his own personality to the job, is to maintain the success Rutgers achieved under Schiano. The program is coming off a nine-win season and a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl.
“I’m not Greg Schiano and I’m not trying to be Greg Schiano,” Flood said. “But the vision is the same.”
Flood, 41, a Rutgers assistant since 2005, was immediately named interim head coach and wound up being athletic director Tim Pernetti’s choice for the job after FIU coach Mario Cristobal decided to stay put. Cristobal and Pernetti had agreed on terms on Monday before Cristobal backed out.
Flood said today he was oblivious to the drama surrounding Rutgers’ flirtation with Cristobal because he spent most of Monday recruiting. National Signing Day is Wednesday, and Rutgers has scrambled to ensure the recruitment of what was labeled the top class in school history before Schiano departed.
Flood has been the Knights’ offensive line coach since joining the staff seven years ago, adding the title of assistant head coach in 2008. He was co-offensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010 before shedding that responsibility last season.
Flood agreed to a five-year contract worth $4.75 million. The contract will pay him $750,000 during his first year. His salary will then rise by increments of $100,000 per year over the length of the contract.
Though he has no head coaching experience, Flood has put in 19 years as an assistant.
*Personal Note: Congrats on the position Coach Flood. I’m looking forward to working with you & your leadership guiding our program to many BCS bowls in the future!