Rutgers basketball coach Steve Pikiell reveals that he has cancer, will be sidelined after successful surgery
Rutgers men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell announced in a statement Wednesday that he has cancer.
Pikiell, 58, said he began feeling unwell a couple of months ago and went to the doctor.
“A couple of months ago, after not feeling 100 percent, I visited a team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health. After undergoing various tests, I received the difficult news that I have cancer,” Pikiell said in a statement.
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Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights stands during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers on Jan. 23, 2026, at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, N.J. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I am incredibly grateful to my team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering for guiding and supporting us through this difficult time. After a successful surgery, my doctors and I have a kick-a– game plan to finish treatment.”
Associate head coach Brandin Knight will serve as the interim head coach while Pikiell recovers. Pikiell, who was set to enter his 11th season as the team’s coach, said he will still be involved as much as he can.
“I will still be involved with the team to the best of my ability as I navigate the challenges of the season through treatment. I have great confidence in Coach Knight, the rest of the talented staff, and our exceptional student-athletes. I know they will do an amazing job leading our program when I’m not able to,” Pikiell said in the statement.
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Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell looks on during a College Basketball Crown quarterfinal game against Creighton at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 2, 2026. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“Just as I ask my team to fight and embrace challenges head-on, I’m going to attack cancer the same way. With the support of my doctors, my family, and now Rutgers Nation, I am confident we will be victorious.”
Pikiell thanked the team, Rutgers President William Tate and athletic director Keli Zinn for their support and said he looks forward to being back on the sidelines. Zinn asked that the community lift up Pikiell and his family with encouragement and support.
“On behalf of the Rutgers Athletics family, I want to express our love and support for Coach Pikiell, Kate and their entire family as he fights cancer. Those of us who know Steve, know the determination and strength he brings to everything he does. I know he will bring that same spirit to every treatment and every day ahead,” Zinn said in a statement.
Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights signals to his players during the 2026 College Basketball Crown quarterfinal against the Creighton Bluejays at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“We are grateful to Coach Knight for his willingness to step up during this challenging time and to our entire staff for their great care and compassion for Coach and our student-athletes. There is no set timeline for Coach Pikiell’s full return, but we look forward to the day when he is back on our sideline. I ask that we all lift the Pikiell family with encouragement and support. “
Pikiell has made the NCAA Tournament twice with Rutgers and has a 161-160 record over 321 games with the program. Prior to coaching at Rutgers, Pikiell spent 11 seasons as Stony Brook’s coach.
