Rutgers Promotes Luke Carrezola to Defensive Tackles Coach, Noonan's Role Uncertain

Carrezola elevated after two seasons on Rutgers staff, while Noonan's future responsibilities remain undetermined.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Rutgers has promoted assistant defensive line coach Luke Carrezola to the role of defensive tackles coach. Carrezola, who previously worked with the new Rutgers defensive line coach at UConn, will now take on an expanded role with the program. Meanwhile, former defensive tackles coach Charlie Noonan is expected to remain on staff, but his specific responsibilities have yet to be determined.

Why it matters

The defensive line is a critical unit for Rutgers as they look to improve upon a 5-7 season in 2025. Carrezola's promotion suggests the coaching staff sees him as a rising talent, while Noonan's uncertain role raises questions about the team's linebacker situation heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Carrezola has two seasons of experience on the Rutgers coaching staff after previously working as a graduate assistant at UConn and spending one year as the defensive line coach at the University of New Haven. He has a prior working relationship with Rutgers' new defensive line coach, Dottin-Carter, from their time together at UConn. Noonan, the former defensive tackles coach, is expected to remain on staff, but his specific role has not been announced.

  • Carrezola joined the Rutgers coaching staff in 2024 after one season as the defensive line coach at New Haven.
  • Noonan has been on the Rutgers staff since 2022, previously serving as the assistant linebackers coach.

The players

Luke Carrezola

The new defensive tackles coach at Rutgers, Carrezola has two seasons of experience on the Rutgers staff and previously worked with the new defensive line coach at UConn.

Charlie Noonan

The former defensive tackles coach at Rutgers, Noonan is expected to remain on staff, but his specific role has not been determined.

Dottin-Carter

The new defensive line coach at Rutgers, Dottin-Carter previously worked with Carrezola at UConn.

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The takeaway

Rutgers is making changes to its defensive coaching staff, promoting a promising young assistant in Carrezola while the role of the veteran Noonan remains uncertain. These moves will be crucial as the team looks to improve its defense and build on a 5-7 season in 2025.