Reports indicate that Pat Hobbs has stepped down from his role as the athletic director at Rutgers, with Ryan Pisarri taking over on an interim basis. Hobbs had been the Big Ten’s longest-tenured active athletic director, having assumed the position at Rutgers in 2015. Despite his contract running until 2028, the 64-year-old cited health concerns as the reason for his sudden departure in an email to school president Jonathan Holloway. In light of his latest medical assessments, Hobbs expressed that he could no longer continue in the role due to its demanding nature. The departure comes at an inconvenient time, but Hobbs stressed that other priorities must take precedence.
Hobbs played a significant role in the rejuvenation of Rutgers men’s basketball by hiring current head coach Steve Pikiell in 2016 from Stony Brook. Pikiell led the Scarlet Knights to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022, marking the program’s first back-to-back bids since 1975-76. Hobbs also orchestrated the return of football coach Greg Schiano, who came back to Rutgers in 2020 after a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Ohio State. Since Schiano’s return, the Scarlet Knights have posted a 19-28 record overall and a 9-27 mark in Big Ten conference play. They achieved a 7-6 record last year, marking their first winning season since 2014. Hobbs expressed his gratitude to the athletic staff in an internal message, stating his confidence in their continued success.
Ryan Pisarri, aged 40, has been associated with Rutgers’ athletic staff since 2011 and most recently held the position of deputy athletic director. –Field Level Media
