Former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will be named Rutgers' new offensive coordinator.
Rutgers is looking for a replacement for Ron Prince, who was hired as the Detroit Lions' tight ends coach last week.
Friedgen, 66, a Maryland alum, was 75-50 in 10 seasons as the Terps' coach. He was fired after the 2010 and replaced by Randy Edsall.
Friedgen's departure from Maryland was acrimonious, and he'll get a chance to coach against the Terps when Rutgers plays at Maryland on Nov. 29. Both schools are moving into the Big Ten next season and will be East Division rivals. Other teams in the East will be Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State; the league did away with its Legends and Leaders division names.
Friedgen will take over an offense that struggled in the AAC this season. The Scarlet Knights scored more than 17 points just twice in their final eight games, and they struggled to run the ball (101st nationally). Quarterback Gary Nova is an inconsistent passer, and with the early departure of wide receiver Brandon Coleman to the NFL, the receiving corps took a big hit.
Friedgen has extensive experience as an offensive coordinator, including stints with the San Diego Chargers (1994-95) and Georgia Tech (1987-91, 1997-2000). The Chargers went to the Super Bowl in Friedgen's first season with the team.
Rutgers coach Kyle Flood still is seeking a defensive coordinator. Flood, who will be entering his third season with the Scarlet Knights, is considered to be on the hot seat.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
