December 14, 2010 – Since his final loss against West Virginia on December 4th, Greg Schiano has been rendered to his office. He lost out on three extra weeks of practice and the hoopla and rewards of a bowl game. He’s allegedly analyzing his 2010 season, making an attempt at keeping his highest-ever recruited quarterback from transferring, reviewing his recruits and taking a closer look at his staff.

Don’t expect much from his efforts. He’s not under any real pressure from above to answer for his 59-63 ten-year record. If quarterback Tom Savage leaves, so what? There’s no telling what his middling recruiting class will bring in, because Schiano has an erratic record of red shirting and jerking players around from their natural positions or losing talent altogether. This season he played a starting tackle at tight end. He made two defensive linemen into offensive linemen in mid-season (no clues before that, Greg?), made two defensive backs and an offensive back into receivers and played a converted QB at tight end.

In Schiano’s eyes his coaching staff is aces and by keeping them under his thumb and not bringing in anyone who could possibly threaten his reign, he will at least keep a death grip on the Rutgers job. He needs to, because the days of being sought after by Miami, Michigan and Alabama are over.

Here’s a short list of what Schiano should be doing as he assesses his team for next year.

1. Make a Change

It’s a time-honored move that is used time and again to create a tone that says he means business. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca is the most logical target. Rumors are that Ciarrocca will be interviewed for the Temple opening now that Al Golden has gone to Miami. That development might also free up former UMASS head coach, Mark Whipple, who was the Hurricane’s offensive coordinator under Randy Shannon. The co-coordinator system isn’t working. Creative play-calling and passing game coordination are a big need. Rutgers has the tools in their passing game, there just isn’t any precision. Too many dropped balls and wasted plays.

2. Tell Kyle Flood To Coach Up the Offensive Line

In Schiano’s own words, Flood is the “best teacher at that position I have ever been around.” So why not give Flood one responsibility in 2011, to make the offensive line a strength? Simply couple Flood up with the guy who is the best at what he does on Schiano’s staff, strength and conditioning coach, Jay Butler, and improve the offensive line that allowed a nation-leading 61 sacks in 2010. Seven experienced offensive linemen return for 2011. Only center Howard Barbieri graduates. Three freshman recruits could provide size and depth. The redshirt ranks will bring ten wide bodies to choose from.

3. Sit down With Bill Belichick

When Belichick visits to see his son play for the Rutgers lacrosse team this spring, invite him in to pick his brain. Ask questions about how the hoodie always comes up with creative offensive guys (Charlie Weis, Josh McDaniels, Bill O’Brien). How does he always have a passing game? How did he develop his “no-name” pro bowl offensive line? How does he get along without elite running backs? What are his secrets about evaluating talent? And follow it up with, “How do you manage to lead when your staff is highly regarded and always in demand by others?

4. Stop Looking for Ray Rice

Rice bailed on his commitment to Syracuse and landed in Schiano’s lap by luck. He was the best back RU has ever had, a combination of speed and great power generated from his lower body strength. So, in one of the great mysteries of searching for the next RR, Schiano has made his bones recruiting “smallish” backs ever since. He missed out on Donald Brown who went to UCONN, Ray Graham and Dion Lewis who signed at PITT. All New Jersey high school products.
In 2011 Schiano has six experienced returning backs. Jordan Thomas showed the most promise in 2010. Joe Martinek, who runs with Rice’s power at times, was saddled by an ankle injury all year. D’Antwann Williams was given some reps. Mason Robinson returns with weakened knees and is shuttled to the wide receiver spots. Jawan Jamison and Casey Turner are the unknown red shirts who may be a factor. Four-star Florida recruit Chevelle Buie, is 5′ 7,” 153 pounds. This is the specific area that Schiano needs to discuss with Belichick regarding “talent assessment.”