ESPN college football writer and insider Pete Thamel broke the news that Robb Smith would be returning to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights once again next season. In the same social media release, Thamel outlined how Smith is back for a third time as the program’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive play caller.

Robb Smith is returning to Rutgers for a third time, this time as co-defensive coordinator under coach Greg Schiano, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Smith was Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2020-21, Schiano’s first two seasons back in Piscataway. He was also on Schiano’s coaching staff from 2009-11, and rejoined Schiano with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 as the team’s linebackers coach.

Sources: Rutgers is set to hire Robb Smith as the school’s co-defense coordinator and defensive play caller. This will be his third stop as a defensive coordinator at Rutgers, and third time overall at the school.

Greg Schiano is bringing a familiar face back to Rutgers to run his defense. Robb Smith, a veteran defensive coordinator in college football, is expected to join the Knights staff as their new co-defensive coordinator and play caller,

Rutgers is expected to dip into an elite Group of Five program to fill the two vacant spots on its defensive coaching staff, according to multiple reports. James Madison linebackers coach Zach Sparber is set to be hired by the Scarlet Knights to serve as their co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach,