Rutgers Promotes Former Player to Assistant Tight Ends Coach

Isaiah Washington, a five-year Rutgers wide receiver, will now coach the team's tight ends.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:51am

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Rutgers football has promoted former wide receiver Isaiah Washington to be the team's new assistant tight ends coach. Washington joined the team's coaching staff last summer as a player development assistant and will now take on additional responsibilities.

Why it matters

The promotion of former players to coaching positions is a common practice in college football, as it allows teams to bring in individuals with firsthand experience and knowledge of the program. Washington's transition from player to coach could provide valuable insights and continuity for the Rutgers football team.

The details

Washington originally came to Rutgers as a 2019 recruit and played five seasons for the team, tying the school record for 58 total games played. He finished his career with 74 catches for 927 yards and three touchdowns. After a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens, Washington signed with the UFL's Memphis Showboats in 2025, where he caught 13 passes for 144 yards. It was during his time with the Showboats that he met Rutgers' current offensive line coach, Jim Turner, who was an interim head coach for the team.

  • Washington joined Rutgers' coaching staff as a player development assistant in the summer of 2025.
  • Washington was promoted to assistant tight ends coach in March 2026.

The players

Isaiah Washington

A former wide receiver for Rutgers who played five seasons for the team, tying the school record for 58 total games played. He finished his career with 74 catches for 927 yards and three touchdowns.

Jim Turner

Rutgers' current offensive line coach, who was an interim head coach for the UFL's Memphis Showboats in 2025 when Washington played for the team.

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What’s next

Washington will work alongside another former Rutgers player, Scott Vallone, in his new role as assistant tight ends coach, allowing him to learn from one of the best recruiters on the Rutgers coaching staff.

The takeaway

The promotion of Isaiah Washington, a former Rutgers wide receiver, to assistant tight ends coach highlights the program's commitment to developing its own players and bringing in individuals with deep knowledge of the team and its culture.