Rutgers Football Cornerbacks coach David Rowe leaving for Cincinnati
After letting go of three defensive coaches and announcing that offensive line coach Pat Flaherty’s contract won’t renewed, Rutgers Football sounds like they might have another change coming as cornerbacks coach David Rowe is likely headed to Cincinnati to take the open cornerbacks job, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
The Cocoa, Florida native spent two years on the banks with the team, one as the assistant cornerbacks coach in 2024 and was promoted full-time role as cornerbacks coach in 2025. He made $250,000 for this past 2025 season and was slated to make $275,000 for the 2026 season.
It is no secret that the cornerbacks struggled quite a bit last season, as the unit had to replace two NFL players in Eric Rogers (Los Angeles Chargers) and Robert Longerbeam (Baltimore Ravens). The Scarlet Knights technically had to replace a third defensive back here too, as they shifted from a three safety look in 2024 to a three cornerback look in 2025.
The three names that stepped up were transfers Cam Miller (slot) and Jacobie Henderson, along with third year cornerback Bo Mascoe. The trio was targeted 155 times this season and gave up 102 receptions, 1,276 yards and 13 touchdowns. Not great when you compare it to the top three corners in 2024 were targets 133 times for 73 receptions, 836 yards, and four touchdowns. So while there were some personnel changes a the position, there was also a coaching change too as Mark Orphey left for Texas and Rowe was promoted.
Of the three starting cornerbacks in 2025, Henderson is the only one slated to return at the moment, as Miller is out of eligibility (pending a court case) and Mascoe just entered the Transfer Portal.
Before arriving at Rutgers ahead of the 2024 season, Rowe spent three seasons at Houston as both the cornerbacks and eventually the secondary coach and two seasons at Central Michigan in the same roles. Prior to that, he spent time at Valdosta State, Rockledge High School, Western Michigan and in the NFL with Greg Schiano and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Prior to coaching, Rowe was a three year starter for the Scarlet Knights at both cornerback and safety, where he played in 51 total games. During his four years with the program, Rowe totaled 156 tackles, 16 PBUs, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
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