Augie Hoffmann: Making the Move to Rutgers
Jul 15 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Running backs coach Augie Hoffmann had opportunities in the past to make the jump to college football or the NFL, but the Park Ridge, New Jersey, native turned them all down. It was not until Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano presented an offer that Hoffmann made a move from leading one of the powerhouse North Jersey high school programs.
"Really, the biggest factor was the opportunity to be a part of what coach Schiano is putting together here," Hoffmann said in a recent WebEx with the media. "Being able to learn from a guy like him, knowing that he is going to do everything the right way, and just have the opportunity to coach in the Big Ten and not have to move my family unit was a huge piece to it. I was excited to take the jump and it just happened that everything aligned at the right time."
"Augie is one of the most respected coaches in New Jersey," Schiano said at the time of the Hoffmann hire. "As a leader of one of the top programs in the state, he has a proven track record of developing elite talent both on and off the field. Augie is a tireless worker and his reputation among the players and coaches in our state speaks for itself."
Hoffmann had a good thing going coaching the football program at his alma mater, St. Joseph Regional in Montvale. He first joined the staff in 2010 before being elevated to head coach in 2014 and leading the Green Knights to a 50-19 record, including four state championship game appearances with two titles.
"You get so used to being in one place for a long time and have a routine," Hoffmann said of the transition. "That was the biggest difference. (As far as) the football aspect, there's not really been any surprises other than learning a new offense."
And with the staff filled with New Jersey roots, Hoffmann entered with preexisting relationships with a number of his current colleagues. That includes knowing offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson from his days at Delbarton School and facing tight ends coach, and former Bergen Catholic head coach, Nunzio Campanile from opposite sidelines for years. Campanile had made the same jump to the collegiate ranks in 2018.
"There was definitely a mutual respect for one another, having been through those battles that we've had," Hoffmann said of Campanile. "A guy like him, who I respect and look up to in coaching and being here a few years before me, he's been a real asset and a tremendous ally. He has turned into an even better friend and I am excited to be working with him. You are on opposite sidelines, but when you get the chance to work together, you see the type of preparation he puts in and it is really remarkable. He's a great coach."
Hoffmann, Campanile and the entire Rutgers staff know the amount of talent in North Jersey and the competition for recruits. Hoffmann is now using his experience from the other side of the recruiting trail.
"Schools are coming in left and right," Hoffmann said. "And as a head coach, I always preached to them that you have to find the best fit for you. It may not be what the public opinion says its best, but it has to be for you.
"If I was still in the high school ranks and guys from Rutgers came in with coach Schiano at the helm, I would say it's a tremendous place to be. Just being around him and understanding his vision, seeing where we are going with this program, there's no reason why elite New Jersey talent has to leave the state anymore."
Looking at the returners to the position group, Hoffmann is focused on developing the current crop of running backs. That includes junior Isaih Pacheco, who scored seven touchdowns and ranked sixth in the Big Ten following the regular season with 66.3 rushing yards per game in 2019.
"(Pacheco's) one of the emotional leaders on the team," Hoffmann said. "You saw him leading workouts (in the winter). He's obviously a special, special talent. We're looking forward to getting on the field and putting him in this offense.
"For us right now, it's a fresh start for everybody in the offense. The number one thing that we looked at was their work ethic on the field and off and I can tell you that on the field, they work as hard as anybody I've seen and I tell you off the field, their preparation for when you get on the field has been tremendous. I'm looking to see how we put that whole thing together and see who steps up."
And for Hoffmann, the step up to Rutgers has been the right move.
"I couldn't be happier or prouder to be a part of this staff and a part of the Rutgers tradition."
"Really, the biggest factor was the opportunity to be a part of what coach Schiano is putting together here," Hoffmann said in a recent WebEx with the media. "Being able to learn from a guy like him, knowing that he is going to do everything the right way, and just have the opportunity to coach in the Big Ten and not have to move my family unit was a huge piece to it. I was excited to take the jump and it just happened that everything aligned at the right time."
"Augie is one of the most respected coaches in New Jersey," Schiano said at the time of the Hoffmann hire. "As a leader of one of the top programs in the state, he has a proven track record of developing elite talent both on and off the field. Augie is a tireless worker and his reputation among the players and coaches in our state speaks for itself."
Hoffmann had a good thing going coaching the football program at his alma mater, St. Joseph Regional in Montvale. He first joined the staff in 2010 before being elevated to head coach in 2014 and leading the Green Knights to a 50-19 record, including four state championship game appearances with two titles.
"You get so used to being in one place for a long time and have a routine," Hoffmann said of the transition. "That was the biggest difference. (As far as) the football aspect, there's not really been any surprises other than learning a new offense."
And with the staff filled with New Jersey roots, Hoffmann entered with preexisting relationships with a number of his current colleagues. That includes knowing offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson from his days at Delbarton School and facing tight ends coach, and former Bergen Catholic head coach, Nunzio Campanile from opposite sidelines for years. Campanile had made the same jump to the collegiate ranks in 2018.
"There was definitely a mutual respect for one another, having been through those battles that we've had," Hoffmann said of Campanile. "A guy like him, who I respect and look up to in coaching and being here a few years before me, he's been a real asset and a tremendous ally. He has turned into an even better friend and I am excited to be working with him. You are on opposite sidelines, but when you get the chance to work together, you see the type of preparation he puts in and it is really remarkable. He's a great coach."
Hoffmann, Campanile and the entire Rutgers staff know the amount of talent in North Jersey and the competition for recruits. Hoffmann is now using his experience from the other side of the recruiting trail.
"Schools are coming in left and right," Hoffmann said. "And as a head coach, I always preached to them that you have to find the best fit for you. It may not be what the public opinion says its best, but it has to be for you.
"If I was still in the high school ranks and guys from Rutgers came in with coach Schiano at the helm, I would say it's a tremendous place to be. Just being around him and understanding his vision, seeing where we are going with this program, there's no reason why elite New Jersey talent has to leave the state anymore."
Looking at the returners to the position group, Hoffmann is focused on developing the current crop of running backs. That includes junior Isaih Pacheco, who scored seven touchdowns and ranked sixth in the Big Ten following the regular season with 66.3 rushing yards per game in 2019.
"(Pacheco's) one of the emotional leaders on the team," Hoffmann said. "You saw him leading workouts (in the winter). He's obviously a special, special talent. We're looking forward to getting on the field and putting him in this offense.
"For us right now, it's a fresh start for everybody in the offense. The number one thing that we looked at was their work ethic on the field and off and I can tell you that on the field, they work as hard as anybody I've seen and I tell you off the field, their preparation for when you get on the field has been tremendous. I'm looking to see how we put that whole thing together and see who steps up."
And for Hoffmann, the step up to Rutgers has been the right move.
"I couldn't be happier or prouder to be a part of this staff and a part of the Rutgers tradition."
- June 26: Andrew Aurich: Building the Offensive Line
- June 16: Adam Scheier: Smart and Aggressive Special Teams
- June 8: Sean Gleeson: Fast, Physical, The Ball
- May 26: Robb Smith: Stop the Run, Eliminate Big Plays, Create Takeaways
Players Mentioned
RB
/ FootballHead Coach Greg Schiano Spring Press Conference - 04/18/26
Saturday, April 18
2026 Homecoming & Family Weekend: Oct. 3
Tuesday, April 14
Studs Coach Charlie Noonan - 04/14/26
Tuesday, April 14
Defensive Tackles Coach Luke Carrezola - 04/14/26
Tuesday, April 14
