
Former Rutgers coach Mike Rice’s $160,000 role at Linden High School sparks controversy and questions about educational priorities.
Key Insights
- Mike Rice, fired from Rutgers in 2013 for player abuse, now holds dual roles at Linden High School.
- Rice’s $150,000 academic facilitator position raises eyebrows, surpassing vice principal salaries.
- The hiring decision faces scrutiny amid budget cuts and questions about transparency.
- Supporters claim Rice’s experience benefits student-athletes’ college prospects and team performance.
- Critics argue the position may be a pretext to justify a high salary for coaching duties.
Controversial Return to Coaching
Mike Rice, once dismissed from Rutgers University for misconduct towards players, has re-emerged in the spotlight with a contentious appointment at Linden High School in New Jersey. The school board’s decision to hire Rice for a dual role as boys’ basketball coach and academic facilitator has ignited a fierce debate about the appropriate use of educational resources and the ethics of second chances in sports.
Rice’s coaching stipend of $9,503 aligns with typical compensation for such positions. However, it’s his additional role as “facilitator of athletic academic assistance/community resources” that has raised eyebrows, commanding a substantial $150,000 salary. This figure exceeds the pay of vice principals in the district, prompting questions about the position’s creation and purpose.
Budgetary Concerns and Transparency Issues
The timing of Rice’s hiring has proven particularly controversial, coinciding with budget cuts within the school district. Critics argue that the creation of this high-paying position seems at odds with fiscal responsibility and may be a roundabout way to compensate Rice primarily for his coaching expertise.
“My opinion is that the employment of this individual as a coach is not uncommon, but his subsequent employment to a full-time position represents a sharp departure from normal practice,” stated Marc Gaswirth, an education consultant.
The Linden Board of Education and Superintendent have remained tight-lipped, declining interview requests. This lack of transparency has only fueled speculation about the hiring process and the qualifications required for Rice’s new position.
Defending the Decision
Supporters of Rice’s appointment argue that his collegiate experience brings valuable insights to the high school program. A district spokesperson emphasized that Rice’s role is crucial for student success and community engagement. His responsibilities reportedly include NCAA compliance, academic oversight, and college recruitment.
“Mike Rice was selected for his extensive experience at the collegiate level, where he developed a reputation for fostering competitive teams and preparing players for NCAA programs,” explained Michael Wattkis, a school district representative.
Proponents point to early signs of success, citing a 20% increase in student-athlete engagement with NCAA programs and improved team performance. The Linden boys’ basketball team currently boasts a 9-5 record under Rice’s leadership.
Balancing Past Mistakes and Future Opportunities
Rice’s controversial past cannot be ignored in this discussion. His firing from Rutgers in 2013 for physically abusing players and using homophobic slurs resulted in a $475,000 settlement. This history makes his current position all the more contentious, raising questions about redemption and second chances in educational settings.
As the debate continues, the Linden school district finds itself at the center of a larger conversation about priorities in education, the role of athletics in schools, and the delicate balance between providing opportunities for growth and maintaining ethical standards. The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing hiring practices and resource allocation in high school athletics across the nation.
Sources:
- https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/threads/ot-a-once-disgraced-coach-is-making-160k-at-a-n-j-school-but-is-it-just-to-win-games.288456/
- https://www.nj.com/union/2025/01/a-once-disgraced-coach-is-making-160k-at-a-nj-school-but-is-it-just-to-win-games.html
- https://nypost.com/2025/01/28/sports/mike-rice-making-160k-in-controversial-high-school-job/