On Friday, February 6, 2026, multiple sources reported that the Rutgers football team has finally concluded its lengthy defensive coordinator search and that South Dakota State head coach Travis Johnson will become the Scarlet Knights’ next defensive coordinator. The move, first confirmed by On3’s Pete Knuckles , suggests Rutgers is finalizing a deal to bring Johnson to Piscataway.
The hire comes after a long and much-discussed search — after co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber were fired after Rutgers’ defense struggled throughout the 2025 season. Rutgers’ defense was terrible from start to finish, but one particular stat that highlighted it was that the Cavaliers allowed an FBS-worst 7.6 yards per play, which was more than three-quarters of a first down.
advertise
Who is Travis Johnson?
Johnson, now the head coach at the University of South Dakota, has not previously served as a defensive coordinator at the FBS level. But he brings more than a decade of experience playing defense in college grade. JO’Hansen spent six years at South Dakota State before becoming the head coach, including multiple seasons as the Coyotes’ defensive coordinator.
In 2025, Johnson led the Coyotes to a 10-5 record and a berth in the NCAA FCS quarterfinals — a strong result for the program. Previously served as defensive coordinator at NAIA Grand View University (Iowa) and DII Concordia-St. Louis. Paul (Minnesota), who played college football before leading the Volwolves to one of the top five defenses in the FCS.
What this means for Rutgers University
Greg Schiano emphasized the search for a leader who can revitalize the defense, calling for a coordinator who can run the team and lead the players autonomously. Johansen’s track record in defensive playmaking and player development could be a key factor in this decision.
advertise
The Scarlet Knights’ defense ranks last in the Big Ten in several major statistical categories in 2025, fueling fan and media attention on the coordinator search.
Bringing in Johnson signals that Rutgers is investing outside of its traditional No. 5 assistant talent pool — relying on his upward trajectory and ability to adapt to FBS competition. It also ends one of the most closely watched offseason coaching saga in college football, as Rutgers fans and insiders waited more than two months for clarification.
Looking to the future
Once the formalities are completed, Rutgers University should officially confirm it. Once signed, Johnson will be tasked with overhauling a unit that struggled last season, improving defensive execution and ultimately helping the Scarlet Knights become more competitive in the Big Ten Conference.
advertise
The hire could mark a key turning point for a program eager to bounce back defensively, which was historically bad last season under Rob Smith and Zach Sparber. With the offense looking as good as it has in at least a decade, Johnson’s hiring will help restore the Scarlet Knights’ defensive prowess under Greg Schiano.
To support me and my work, follow @arnavsarkar100 on X!
