Rutgers University is still in search of a permanent athletic director nearly a year after the resignation of Pat Hobbs on August 16, 2023. As of July 11, 2025, the athletics program has been without a full-time leader for a total of 330 days. The delay in hiring a replacement has been linked to the resignation of President Jonathan Holloway, who announced his intention to step down in September 2023, effective at the end of the academic year on June 30, 2024. The Board of Governors opted to pause the hiring process until the new president could provide input.
In contrast, other universities have filled similar vacancies much more swiftly. For instance, Maryland took just two months to appoint a new athletic director, while Michigan State completed its search in six weeks. The situation at Rutgers became more pressing this week when Ryan Pisarri, the interim athletic director, announced his acceptance of a full-time position at Tufts University. This leaves Rutgers Athletics without a designated leader just weeks before the fall sports season begins.
William Tate IV, who assumed the presidency on July 1, 2025, is now tasked with addressing this leadership vacuum. The first major challenge for Tate is the upcoming start of the fall athletic season, which includes a match between the Men’s Soccer team and Providence on August 21, 2025. The urgency for decisive action is palpable, as fans express their frustration with a lack of direction.
On his Scarlet Faithful podcast, commentator Aaron Breitman encapsulated the sentiments of the fanbase, likening Rutgers supporters to Charlie Brown attempting to kick a football, only to have it pulled away repeatedly. This analogy reflects the mounting impatience among fans who have witnessed persistent challenges within the athletics program.
There has been speculation surrounding the hiring process, including the possibility that the Board of Governors is divided on candidates or that head football coach Greg Schiano may not support certain choices. As of now, these remain unsubstantiated claims. The university engaged the executive search firm TurnkeyZRG in April 2024 to assist in finding a suitable replacement, raising questions about the lengthy process given that a new president would take over shortly afterward.
Looking to the future, President Tate brings a record of strong leadership and a commitment to athletic excellence, having previously served at a prominent SEC institution. He has publicly expressed his desire to foster a winning culture at Rutgers, stating his aversion to losing.
As the fall season approaches, President Tate faces his first significant challenge in stabilizing a rudderless athletic department. The Board of Governors must act swiftly to appoint a new leader, allowing Rutgers Athletics to navigate a path to success. The urgency is clear, and time is of the essence as the Scarlet Knights prepare for the upcoming sports season.
