Steve Hayn, who brings over 29 years of collegiate leadership experience—including 17 seasons as a head coach—was elevated to an assistant coaching role with Rutgers men’s basketball heading into the 2023-24 season. After serving as Chief of Staff for two seasons, Hayn returned to the court full-time, working individually with players and leading practice sessions, while maintaining his responsibilities as Chief of Staff. In his dual role, he contributes to recruiting, game planning, scouting, practice coordination, and overall program support.
Hayn was first appointed Chief of Staff prior to the 2021-22 season, during which he helped lead the Scarlet Knights to a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten—the highest in school history. In this capacity, he oversaw every aspect of the program, coordinated scheduling, and served as a liaison to the academic advisor.
Pikiell on Hayn’s hiring:
“After meeting with many qualified candidates during a broad search, the best person for the position was right next door. Steve Hayn has been a successful head coach at the collegiate and high school levels, specializing in the development of big men. His skills and relationships are a perfect fit for our program as we continue our work toward postseason success.”
Hayn initially joined Rutgers as an assistant coach on June 4, 2019. A Long Island native, he was named the 2014 Metropolitan Basketball Writers Division II Coach of the Year and previously served as Rutgers’ Senior Advisor for three seasons.
As an assistant coach, Hayn has been instrumental in developing the Scarlet Knights’ frontcourt players and offensive execution. He helped lead Rutgers to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the first time since 1976, including the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in 38 years. During this period, Rutgers was ranked as high as No. 11 in the AP Poll in 2020-21 and recorded its first 20-win season in 37 years during 2019-20.
In his first season as an assistant, the Scarlet Knights tied for fifth in the Big Ten Conference—the nation’s top-rated league per Ken Pomeroy—posting an 11-9 league record, earning their most conference victories in 29 years, and securing the first opening road bye in a conference tournament in 25 years.
Prior to Rutgers, Hayn served as head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (2014-16), achieving notable success including multiple wins over top 25-ranked teams. Across four head-coaching stops, his programs collectively averaged 7.75 more wins in his final season compared to his first. At Dowling College in 2013-14, Hayn led the team to a 22-7 record, earning East Coast Conference and Met honors.
Hayn and head coach Steve Pikiell previously served as assistants together at Central Connecticut State under Howie Dickenman, helping turn a four-win team into a school-record 19 victories and a Northeast Conference Tournament finals appearance. Hayn began his coaching career at Port Jefferson (N.Y.) High School (1993-95), then moved to Genesee Community College, leading the team to a 26-6 record and Region III semifinals appearance. He later served as head coach at SUNY Fredonia (1999-2001) and Stevens Institute of Technology (2001-06), achieving multiple program turnarounds and postseason successes.
At Dowling College, Hayn led the Golden Lions from a 6-22 record in 2006-07 to a 22-7 mark in 2013-14, while maintaining team GPAs near 3.0.
Hayn is a 1991 graduate of Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and earned a master’s degree in Special Education from C.W. Post in 1993. Prior to his coaching career, he worked as a special education teacher from 1991-95. He is the proud father of two children, son Zachary and daughter Sophie.
