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.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGESteve 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.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.
DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!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 su...