Rutgers Analyst Expected to Join Michigan State Coaching Staff

John McNulty, a senior offensive assistant, is leaving Rutgers to become the new quarterbacks coach at Michigan State.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rutgers Football's senior offensive assistant John McNulty is leaving the program to join Michigan State's coaching staff as their new quarterbacks coach, according to a report from Pete Thamel.

Why it matters

McNulty is a veteran coach with over a decade of experience in the NFL and at the college level, including previous stints as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers. His departure is a loss for the Rutgers program as they look to continue building on recent successes.

The details

McNulty re-joined the Rutgers coaching staff prior to the 2025 season for his third stint with the Scarlet Knights. He was considered the assistant wide receivers coach, helping WRs coach Dave Brock with his position group and playing a key role in the development of top receivers Ian Strong and KJ Duff this past season. Prior to this, McNulty served as Rutgers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2018 and 2019 under then-head coach Chris Ash.

  • McNulty re-joined the Rutgers coaching staff prior to the 2025 season.
  • McNulty previously spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons as Rutgers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The players

John McNulty

A veteran coach with over a decade of experience in the NFL and at the college level, including previous stints as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers.

Chris Ash

The former head coach of Rutgers football, who McNulty worked under in 2018 and 2019 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Ian Strong

A top receiver for Rutgers who McNulty helped develop in his role as assistant wide receivers coach.

KJ Duff

Another top receiver for Rutgers who McNulty helped develop in his role as assistant wide receivers coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

McNulty's departure leaves an opening on the Rutgers coaching staff that they will need to fill as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

McNulty's move to Michigan State represents a loss for the Rutgers program, as he was a veteran coach who played a key role in the development of the team's top receivers. However, it also presents an opportunity for Rutgers to bring in new talent and continue building on their recent successes.