Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis
13 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 5:39 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announced on Wednesday that he is being treated for cancer. The 58-year-old coach confirmed he underwent successful surgery to remove the cancer in its entirety and will begin chemotherapy in the coming months. Pikiell plans to remain involved with the team during the 2026-27 season to the best of his ability. Associate head coach Brandin Knight has been authorized to lead the program in Pikiell's absence, though athletics director Keli Zinn stated there is no set timeline for the head coach's full return. Rutgers is scheduled to begin its season on Nov. 6 against New Haven.
- •Steve Pikiell underwent successful surgery to remove cancer.
- •Chemotherapy treatment will continue in the coming months.
- •Brandin Knight will lead the team as associate head coach during Pikiell's absence.
- •Rutgers opens its 2026-27 schedule on Nov. 6 against New Haven.
- 5:39 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals cancer diagnosis, plan for season
- 1:38 AMYahoo Sports — Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell says he is receiving treatment for cancer
- 10:53 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers Head Coach Says He Will Tackle Cancer Diagnosis with a ‘Kick-Ass Game Plan’
- 7:25 PMCBS Sports — Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell diagnosed with cancer, Brandin Knight to run team during his treatment
- 7:14 PMESPN — Rutgers basketball coach Pikiell shares cancer diagnosis, Knight to fill in
- 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell, ex-UConn player and coach, announces cancer diagnosis
- 5:46 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers men's basketball coach reveals cancer diagnosis
- 5:19 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers Basketball Coach Steve Pikiell Shares Cancer Diagnosis Following Successful Surgery
"Steve Pikiell is stepping back from his day-to day duties with the Scarlet Knights, but plans to be involved ‘to the best of my ability’ as he undergoes treatment
"Rutgers men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell says he has been diagnosed with cancer after visiting doctors a few months ago when “not feeling 100%.”
"Steve Pikiell, who has coached Rutgers since 2016, shared his cancer diagnosis Wednesday, with no set timetable for his full return.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 5:39 PMRutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals cancer diagnosis, plan for season
Brandin Knight will act as interim head coach.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 1:38 AMRutgers coach Steve Pikiell says he is receiving treatment for cancer
Rutgers men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell says he has been diagnosed with cancer after visiting doctors a few months ago when “not feeling 100%.”
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 10:53 PMRutgers Head Coach Says He Will Tackle Cancer Diagnosis with a ‘Kick-Ass Game Plan’
Steve Pikiell is stepping back from his day-to day duties with the Scarlet Knights, but plans to be involved ‘to the best of my ability’ as he undergoes treatment
- CBS SportsSep 9, 2026, 7:25 PMRutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell diagnosed with cancer, Brandin Knight to run team during his treatment
Pikiell has 'kick-ass game plan to finish treatment' with Knight running program 'when I'm not able to'
- ESPNSep 9, 2026, 7:14 PMRutgers basketball coach Pikiell shares cancer diagnosis, Knight to fill in
Steve Pikiell, who has coached Rutgers since 2016, shared his cancer diagnosis Wednesday, with no set timetable for his full return.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 7:07 PMRutgers coach Steve Pikiell, ex-UConn player and coach, announces cancer diagnosis
Pikiell, a Bristol native, was a co-captain on UConn men's basketball's 1990 "Dream Team."
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 5:46 PMRutgers men's basketball coach reveals cancer diagnosis
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said he plans to be still be involved with the team as he udnergoes chemotherapy.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 5:19 PMRutgers Basketball Coach Steve Pikiell Shares Cancer Diagnosis Following Successful Surgery
Pikiell shared the news via a statement on Wednesday.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 5:19 PMRutgers men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals cancer diagnosis
Associate head coach Brandin Knight will be the team's interim coach when Pikiell is absent during the 2026-27 season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 4:59 PMRutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis, will stay on job
Steve Pikiell, 58, announced his diagnosis and treatment, and his coaching plans for the 2026-27 season.
- nj.comSep 9, 2026, 4:59 PMRutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals cancer diagnosis, successful surgery - NJ.com
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