Ash makes first coaching move at Rutgers, others may be coming

The Rutgers football program has made its first major since Chris Ash was hired as head coach.

Ash has brought Vince Okruch in from Ohio State as the new special teams coordinator, the first of what will likely be changes to the staff Scarlet Knights' football staff.

“I am excited to welcome Vince to the Rutgers coaching staff,” Ash said. “I have worked side by side with him the past two years and have been impressed with his professionalism, knowledge of the game and his connection with the players.”

MyCentralJersey.com reports that at least seven other members of the coaching staff are also being let go: offensive coordinator Ben McDaniels, defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, special teams coordinator Phil Galiano, offensive line coach Mitch Browning, linebackers coach Bob Fraser, secondary coach Darrell Wilson and running backs coach/associate head coach Norries Wilson.

Defensive line coach Jim Panagos and wide receivers coach Anthony Campanile are safe for now. Rutgers would owe $3.3 million to pay off all nine members of the coaching staff who served under Kyle Flood according to the Asbury Park Press.

Rutgers athletics spokesman Hasim Phlllips in an email would only confirm Okruch's hiring. "There will be not comment on any other coaches at this time," he wrote.

Ash was hired on Monday as Rutgers' new head coach.