Questions Arise Over Mike Rice’s Dual Role At Linden High School

Hand dunking a basketball through a hoop.

Mike Rice, the former Rutgers coach fired for player abuse, secures a controversial $160,000 position at Linden High School, sparking debate over his qualifications and the school’s priorities.

Key Takeaways

Mike Rice has been hired as Linden High School’s boys basketball coach with a $9,503 stipend.
Rice also holds a newly created $150,000 position as facilitator of athletic academic assistance/community resources.
The hiring decision has sparked controversy, especially amidst budget cuts in the school district.
Rice’s efforts have reportedly led to improvements in student-athlete engagement and team performance.
Critics question the legitimacy of Rice’s academic role and the transparency of the hiring process.

Controversial Hiring Raises Eyebrows

Linden High School in New Jersey has found itself at the center of a heated debate following its decision to hire Mike Rice, the former Rutgers University basketball coach who was fired in 2013 for physically abusing players and using homophobic slurs. Rice has been appointed as the boys’ basketball coach, a position that comes with a typical $9,503 coaching stipend. However, it’s his additional role that has raised concerns and questions about the school’s priorities and hiring practices.

In addition to his coaching duties, Rice has been given a newly created position as “facilitator of athletic academic assistance/community resources” with a substantial $150,000 contract. This dual role brings his total compensation to nearly $160,000, surpassing the salaries of vice principals in the district and even exceeding the median for school administrators in New Jersey.

Questions of Legitimacy and Transparency

The creation of Rice’s new position has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about its purpose and legitimacy. Critics argue that the role may be a thinly veiled attempt to provide additional compensation to Rice, rather than a genuine need within the school district. The transparency of the hiring process and the qualifications required for the position have also come under scrutiny.

“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,” said Marc Gaswirth, a veteran education attorney.

The Linden Board of Education and Superintendent have remained tight-lipped about the controversial hiring, declining interview requests. However, a spokesperson for the district defended Rice’s role, stating that it is vital for student success and community engagement.

Reported Improvements and Defenses

Despite the controversy, supporters of Rice’s appointment point to improvements in both academic engagement and athletic performance. According to reports, Rice’s efforts have led to a 20% increase in student-athletes engaging with NCAA programs. The Linden boys basketball team has also shown improvement under Rice’s leadership, boasting a current record of 9-5.

“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,” said Michael Wattkis, a spokesperson for the district. “His disciplined approach has created a more structured environment that inspires players to perform at their best both on the court and in the classroom.”

Budget Concerns and Resource Allocation

The controversy surrounding Rice’s hiring is further complicated by ongoing budget concerns within the Linden school district. While the funding for Linden athletics increased by 4.2% for the 2024-25 school year, questions remain about the allocation of resources, especially in light of Rice’s substantial salary.

As the debate continues, the Linden school district maintains that Rice’s hiring is part of their investment in equity, inclusion, and youth development. However, the decision remains contentious, with many in the community questioning whether the potential benefits outweigh the controversy and financial implications of bringing a once-disgraced coach into such a prominent and well-compensated position.