This spring, the Scarlet Knights are set to host a premier guest for their annual coaching clinic: The program revealed on Wednesday that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick—widely considered one of the greatest coaches in football history—and his son Brian Belichick will headline the event scheduled for April 14 and 15.
Belichick shares a long-standing connection with Greg Schiano, who is about to start his fourth season of his second tenure in Piscataway. Their relationship developed when Belichick’s son Steve, now a safeties coach with the Patriots, spent his final college year as a long snapper for Schiano’s team after playing lacrosse at Rutgers for four years.
Belichick showed his support for Schiano when he was rehired by Rutgers and has continually respected Schiano by drafting and signing his former players during his tenure in New England, which includes winning six Super Bowls.
Among the remarkable Scarlet Knights who have thrived with the Patriots are recently retired safeties Devin McCourty and his twin brother Jason, defensive backs Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon, and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
In a comment after selecting three Scarlet Knights in the 2013 NFL Draft, Belichick remarked on Bleacher Report, “The players he recruits and the program he runs are quite similar to ours… The three players we took are intelligent, dedicated to football, and unselfish. They contribute in many areas including communication and special teams.”
Schiano briefly worked with Belichick in New England before resigning as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator just six weeks after joining. Reflecting on his time with Belichick, Schiano stated, “Bill Belichick is a true friend, and his support made the transition easier. I’ll always value those memories.”