By Ryan Dunleavy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Rutgers fans hoping to have a new offensive coordinator as a Christmas present might have to settle for an early gift for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Chris Ash's search began with preliminary phone calls more than three weeks ago, before previous offensive coordinator Jerry Kill publicly announced his departure due to health reasons.
Ash has been deliberate in an attempt to identify the right mix of experience, offensive vision and commitment to staying at Rutgers for more than a year, all while staying within a reasonable budget.
This list includes most — if not all — of the last candidates standing, according to NJ Advance Media's various sources. It shows a second wind for candidates like Ryan Carty and Todd Fitch, who were on the initial hot board, as well as some names that were late additions.
Here are the pros and cons to each potential hire:
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Courtesy of New Hampshire athletics
RYAN CARTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
WHY HE IS A GOOD FIT: Put Carty under the category of “smart” hire. He has spent 10 seasons on New Hampshire’s staff, including five as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach beginning in his mid-20s. He was initially hired by Chip Kelly — yes, that Chip Kelly — to be tight ends coach and he has coached running backs and quarterbacks as well.
So he checks the boxes for continuity, quarterback guru and versatility.