Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis
6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 6:27 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 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.
- 7:14 PMESPN — Rutgers basketball coach Pikiell shares cancer diagnosis, Knight to fill in
- 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
- 5:19 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals cancer diagnosis
- 4:59 PMYahoo Sports — Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis, will stay on job
"Steve Pikiell, who has coached Rutgers since 2016, shared his cancer diagnosis Wednesday, with no set timetable for his full return.
"Associate head coach Brandin Knight will be the team's interim coach when Pikiell is absent during the 2026-27 season.
"Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said he plans to be still be involved with the team as he udnergoes chemotherapy.
Sources
External links- 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, 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.
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