Photo by: Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics
Robb Smith: Stop the Run, Eliminate Big Plays, Create Takeaways
May 26 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – As with many members of the Rutgers football staff, defensive coordinator Robb Smith is excited to have the opportunity to return to Piscataway to work once again with head coach Greg Schiano. Smith previously spent four seasons with the Scarlet Knights from 2009-12 and reunited with Schiano in Tampa Bay in 2013.
"We came to Rutgers because of coach Schiano," Smith said in a recent WebEx interview with the media. "I don't think there's a guy in the world I'm more philosophically aligned with as far as how to build a program and develop young men. It's awesome to be a part of that. (Our family) is excited to be back in the state of New Jersey."
"Robb is one of the best defensive coaches I've had the pleasure of working with," Schiano said upon the hire in January. "We are fortunate to have him joining our staff. He works tirelessly to develop players and help them reach their full potential. We are excited to have him and his family back home."
Smith returns to the role as the Scarlet Knights' defensive coordinator, a title he held in 2012. That season saw the team finish ranked fourth in the nation in fewest points allowed per game (14.2), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (95.2), 10th in total defense (311.6 yards per game) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns allowed (6). Rutgers allowed just 91 points against seven Big East opponents, ranking as the eighth-lowest total in conference history. The defense held opponents to 95.2 rushing yards per game, only the third time in school history RU kept the opponent average below 100 yards.
Smith and the defensive staff are now tasked with building a unit to play "a fast, physical brand of football." Also bringing defensive coordinator experience from Arkansas and Minnesota and years as a position coach focused on linebackers, the secondary and special teams, Smith plans on developing a system tailored to the strengths of the personnel with multiple looks.
"Our job on defense is obviously to stop the offense," Smith said. "So, when you want to stop an offense, you've got to stop the quarterback. For us, whether it's 3-4 or 4-3, we're going to have both of those principles within our repertoire. At the end of the day, we have to find the right guys and put them in the best position to be successful. I think you've got to have multiple principles within your defense.
"To me, it comes down to a core philosophy. We want to put pressure on the quarterback and pressure on the play caller. In order to be successful, we've got to stop the run, eliminate big plays and create takeaways to get the ball back to our offense."
During the pandemic, the defensive staff has met online daily at 7 a.m. before getting the opportunity to communicate with players to install the defense.
"Whatever we've asked them to do, they've done," Smith said of coaching the players during quarantine. "They've been excellent in their attention to detail in WebEx meetings. I feel like we're moving along in our install. We just haven't a chance to work with the guys on the field yet. When we get back, we'll be in a position to move full speed ahead."
While Smith says he's watched Rutgers games over the years and recent game film, the defensive staff is bringing a fresh evaluation to the players.
"I've certainly looked at the film," Smith said. "Really in a lot of ways, we want to have a clean slate. When we get a chance to work with these guys in training camp, we're not going to let anything from before jade or affect our analysis about what our guys can and can't do. I'm excited to get back and work with them, and that's when we'll make decisions on who can help us."
As for the coaching staff, they are using their previous relationships to an advantage.
"When you're building a culture, it's really about the people," Smith added. "I'm really excited about the people I get to work with on a daily basis. Each of them brings a unique perspective, which I think is going to make us better as a whole."
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding football, follow the program on Twitter (@RFootball) and subscribe to the YouTube channel.
"We came to Rutgers because of coach Schiano," Smith said in a recent WebEx interview with the media. "I don't think there's a guy in the world I'm more philosophically aligned with as far as how to build a program and develop young men. It's awesome to be a part of that. (Our family) is excited to be back in the state of New Jersey."
"Robb is one of the best defensive coaches I've had the pleasure of working with," Schiano said upon the hire in January. "We are fortunate to have him joining our staff. He works tirelessly to develop players and help them reach their full potential. We are excited to have him and his family back home."
Smith returns to the role as the Scarlet Knights' defensive coordinator, a title he held in 2012. That season saw the team finish ranked fourth in the nation in fewest points allowed per game (14.2), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (95.2), 10th in total defense (311.6 yards per game) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns allowed (6). Rutgers allowed just 91 points against seven Big East opponents, ranking as the eighth-lowest total in conference history. The defense held opponents to 95.2 rushing yards per game, only the third time in school history RU kept the opponent average below 100 yards.
Smith and the defensive staff are now tasked with building a unit to play "a fast, physical brand of football." Also bringing defensive coordinator experience from Arkansas and Minnesota and years as a position coach focused on linebackers, the secondary and special teams, Smith plans on developing a system tailored to the strengths of the personnel with multiple looks.
"Our job on defense is obviously to stop the offense," Smith said. "So, when you want to stop an offense, you've got to stop the quarterback. For us, whether it's 3-4 or 4-3, we're going to have both of those principles within our repertoire. At the end of the day, we have to find the right guys and put them in the best position to be successful. I think you've got to have multiple principles within your defense.
"To me, it comes down to a core philosophy. We want to put pressure on the quarterback and pressure on the play caller. In order to be successful, we've got to stop the run, eliminate big plays and create takeaways to get the ball back to our offense."
During the pandemic, the defensive staff has met online daily at 7 a.m. before getting the opportunity to communicate with players to install the defense.
"Whatever we've asked them to do, they've done," Smith said of coaching the players during quarantine. "They've been excellent in their attention to detail in WebEx meetings. I feel like we're moving along in our install. We just haven't a chance to work with the guys on the field yet. When we get back, we'll be in a position to move full speed ahead."
While Smith says he's watched Rutgers games over the years and recent game film, the defensive staff is bringing a fresh evaluation to the players.
"I've certainly looked at the film," Smith said. "Really in a lot of ways, we want to have a clean slate. When we get a chance to work with these guys in training camp, we're not going to let anything from before jade or affect our analysis about what our guys can and can't do. I'm excited to get back and work with them, and that's when we'll make decisions on who can help us."
As for the coaching staff, they are using their previous relationships to an advantage.
"When you're building a culture, it's really about the people," Smith added. "I'm really excited about the people I get to work with on a daily basis. Each of them brings a unique perspective, which I think is going to make us better as a whole."
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding football, follow the program on Twitter (@RFootball) and subscribe to the YouTube channel.
KEEP CHOPPIN' 2026
Monday, January 26
2026 National Signing Day: Head Coach Greg Schiano - 12/03/25
Wednesday, December 03
Head Coach Greg Schiano Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03
Head Coach Greg Schiano Post Game Press Conference - Penn State
Saturday, November 29
