The North Jersey to Rutgers University pipeline just got that much stronger, but not in the way you’d initially think.
St. Joe’s (Mont.) head coach Augie Hoffmann — who was at the helm for six seasons and two state championships — has accepted a role on the Rutgers University coaching staff under Greg Schiano.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Hoffmann made the announcement during an emotional team meeting Tuesday morning. Those familiar with the St. Joe’s program knew Hoffmann, who was a Class of 1999 St. Joe’s alum himself, as a beloved member in the Green Knights’ community.
That same source also confirmed to Jersey Sports Zone that Hoffmann will be the tight ends coach at Rutgers University.
“Augie is one of the most respected coaches in New Jersey,” Schiano said in a statement. “As a leader of one of the top programs in the state, he has a proven track record of developing elite talent both on and off the field. Augie is a tireless worker and his reputation among the players and coaches in our state speaks for itself. We look forward to welcoming Augie and his family to Rutgers.”
Hoffmann received significant interest from to join other coaching staffs. He turned down a job on the Miami Dolphins under head coach Brian Flores last year. He also received significant interest from Boston College to work under new head coach Jeff Hafley, the source said. Hoffmann is a 2003 grad from Boston College.
WATCH: JSZ’s coverage of Augie Hoffmann
Hoffmann was handpicked by former St. Joe’s head coaching legend Tony Karcich to replace him after retirement going into the 2014 season. In the six seasons as head coach, Hoffmann accumulated a 49-19 record while winning a Non-Public Group 3 state championship in 2016 and a Non-Public Group 4 state championship in 2018.
Players and coaches in North Jersey knew Hoffmann to have a fiery yet passionate personality. That translated to numerous players transferring into the program to play for a coach who got the best out of them.
What This Means for Rutgers
Schiano has quickly put together a coaching staff with tons of New Jersey flavor. He retained last year’s interim head coach Nunzio Campanile (former Bergen Catholic head coach) and brought in former Temple defensive back coach Fran Brown (Camden native).
Sean Gleeson, a New Jersey native and former Princeton University assistant, is both the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Hoffmann coached current Scarlet Knights tight end Matt Alaimo during his high school career at St. Joe’s.
That much New Jersey influence is sure to have an impact on recruiting some of the Garden State’s best to stay home.
WATCH: What do NJ high school coaches think of Greg Schiano?
