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Kyle Flood Humbled, Honored To Take Reins At Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (WFAN/AP) — Longtime Rutgers assistant Kyle Flood is getting his first shot at running a program, replacing his former boss with the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers has promoted Flood to head coach. The 41-year-old had been a member of Greg Schiano's staff since 2005, coaching offensive linemen and working his way up to assistant head coach. He became interim coach when Schiano left last week to take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching job.

"This search was quick. Very targeted, very precise. We knew what we were looking for," Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said. "This is not the same job as it was 10 years ago. We've built something really special here."

He received a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $750,000 that will increase by $100,000 with each new year.

Flood accepted the permanent job Monday and his hiring became official the day before national signing day, when high school recruits can begin to make their college choices binding.

"It's an honor to be the coach here," said Flood.

Flood was emotional on the podium. He even started to break up when he thanked his wife and children.

"This has really been humbling, going through this process," Flood said. "The core values of Rutgers football don't come and go with any one person. That's how our players live their lives, and that's what we're about here at Rutgers."

Rutgers turned to Flood soon after Florida International coach Mario Cristobal passed on a chance to replace Schiano, who went 68-67 in 11 seasons with the Scarlet Knights.

"We have built a great program," Cristobal told the AP on Monday. "It is a great time to be a Panther."

Did Rutgers pick the right man for the job? Sound off below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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