C. Vivian Stringer will not coach Rutgers women's basketball team for 2021-22 season

C. Vivian Stringer will not coach the Rutgers women's basketball team this season, program officials said Monday night. 

The Hall of Famer will extend the leave of absence she's been on through the end of the 2021-22 season. Stringer stepped away from the program in April.

"Associate Head Coach Timothy Eatman will continue in his role as acting head coach, handling practice, games, and administrative matters," the program said in a statement. 

The Scarlet Knights open their season on Tuesday against St. Peter's at the newly named Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway. 

Stringer has been away from the team since April, officials said. She did not represent the team at Big Ten Media Day Oct. 6. Eatman at the time alluded to Stringer's concerns related to COVID-19 and said, "We want coach back...but we understand she is trying to find a way through this pandemic."

Stringer, 73, received a five-year contract extension in April. The deal guaranteed Stringer $5.5 million in addition to retention and performance bonuses beginning this season through 2025-26. 

Stringer has led Rutgers to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Final Four.

The Scarlet Knights advanced to the tournament last season but fell to BYU, 69-66, in the first round.

It was a difficult season for Rutgers, which included a month-long pause due to multiple COVID-19 tests within the program. 

Follow Chris Iseman on Twitter: @chrisiseman