Rutgers announces extension for Steve Pikiell ahead of Big Ten Tournament

Steve Pikiell changed Rutgers into one of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten since taking over the program. On Friday, they ready to take the floor as the No. 4-seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Prior, Rutgers revealed Pikiell has agreed to a four-year contract extension that’ll keep him leading the program through 2029-30.

“Rutgers University and head men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell have agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep him ‘On the Banks’ through the 2029-30 season,” revealed Rutgers in a press release. “In six seasons, Pikiell has led the men’s basketball program to historic heights, including RU’s first NCAA Tournament victory in 38 seasons.  
 
“The Scarlet Knights are poised to face Iowa as the No. 4 seed in the 2022 Big Ten Tournament Friday in Indianapolis. It marks the first-ever double bye for the program and highest seed RU has earned in the conference tournament.”

Over his time with the Scarlet Knights, Pikiell has taken the program to new heights. Rutgers faithful loves him, and Pikiell loves Rutgers.

“I love it here,” said Pikiell, via the school’s press release. “Rutgers has embraced me and my family since day one, and there is no other place I want to be. (Director of Athletics) Pat Hobbs and President Holloway share in my vision to make this a program that everyone can be proud of, and I am thankful for their leadership.

“We have been able to accomplish great things in the past six years and that is not possible without having the best coaching staff and best student-athletes in the country. It is an honor to be the head coach at Rutgers and to do it in the toughest conference in college basketball. I look forward to continuing the hard work to bring RU a national championship.”

Steve Pikiell will continue ‘Pounding Nails’ on the sidelines for Rutgers over the remainder of the decade. There’s no telling the heights the program could reach if the past is any indication.

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Moreover, Rutgers Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs was elated to ink Steve Pikiell to an extension.

“What Steve Pikiell has accomplished here ‘On the Banks’ is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Hobbs. “His leadership is driving success for our young men on the court, in the classroom, and ultimately in life. That’s what great coaches do and this extension ensures that Steve, Kate and their family will be at Rutgers for years to come. This is well deserved.”

Additionally, Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway echoed Hobbs’ statement — Rutgers is ready to continue growing with Pikiell at the helm.
 
“Coach Pikiell has brought the kind of values and vision to Rutgers that would make any parent proud to have their child be mentored, challenged, and coached by him,” said Holloway. “His victories on the court are second only to his success as a leader. I’m glad that we will have him courtside for Rutgers for the foreseeable future.”

The resurgence of Rutgers under Steve Pikiell has been one of the best stories in college basketball over recent seasons. Now, the work will continue for the Scarlet Knights.