The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the university has not announced the decision.
The hiring comes nine days after Eddie Jordan was fired and less than 48 hours after the Seawolves were beaten by Kentucky in their first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Pikiell led Stony Brook of the America East Conference to a 26-7 record this season. He joins a team that had a 7-25 record and won just one Big Ten Conference game last season, and three over the last two.
Rutgers athletic director Pat Hobbs had a hard time filling the job.