Rizzi, a former tight end at Rhode Island, replaces Tim Stowers, who was fired last month after one winning season in eight years. Rizzi, 37, agreed to a five-year deal with a base pay of $160,000.

"This opportunity is a dream come true and I'm excited to be back at my alma mater," Rizzi said Tuesday. "Ever since I graduated from URI and joined the coaching profession, this was always an opportunity I cherished. I look forward to getting started right away and to help build URI into a championship program."

Rizzi spent six seasons at Rutgers, and coached linebackers and special teams this season. Rutgers (7-5) is preparing for its third straight bowl game.

"He has done a great job here at Rutgers and I know that he will do a great job as the head football coach at the University of Rhode Island," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "We will miss him but are very happy for him and his family."