UConn Secures Jason Candle as New Head Football Coach

UPDATE: UConn has officially appointed Jason Candle as its new head football coach, replacing Jim Mora. The announcement came late on Friday, following Candle’s successful tenure at Toledo, where he became the winningest coach in the program’s history.

Candle, 46, has signed a six-year contract with UConn and informed his Toledo players of his departure during a team meeting on Saturday morning. Both UConn and Toledo are bowl eligible, with UConn finishing the season at 9-3 and Toledo at 8-4. Their bowl game assignments will be revealed on Sunday.

The new head coach will be introduced at a press conference on Monday and is scheduled to attend the UConn men’s basketball game against Florida at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Candle as the next head coach of UConn football,” said UConn Athletic Director David Benedict. “Jason’s track record speaks for itself; he has built a culture of excellence both on and off the field.”

Candle’s impressive resume includes 81 victories and two MAC Championships at Toledo. He has consistently led the Rockets to bowl eligibility, showcasing his ability to develop young talent and his commitment to excellence. Candle’s recruiting efforts have been noteworthy, with the 2024 recruiting class being the highest-rated in MAC history.

Unlike Mora, who revitalized UConn through the transfer portal, Candle brings a well-established head coaching background from the Group-of-Five level. He understands the unique challenges of coaching at this level, particularly in the current compensation and transfer landscape.

“I am honored to be named the head football coach at the University of Connecticut,” Candle stated. “UConn has all the ingredients for success: outstanding facilities, passionate fans, and a commitment to excellence.”

In the past, Toledo won MAC titles under Candle in 2017 and 2022. He was recognized as the MAC Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading the Rockets to an impressive 8-0 record in conference play.

“Jason Candle is a great football coach but an even greater developer of men,” said Matt Campbell, who recently left Iowa State for Penn State. “Jason will build a championship program and culture for this proud program.”

UConn’s search for a new coach began on November 26 after Mora accepted a position at Colorado State. Candle emerged as the top candidate during this process, culminating in a productive visit to UConn’s campus for a comprehensive interview.

In a competitive coaching market, UConn successfully secured Candle, despite interest from other programs like Tulane. His appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for UConn football as it aims to continue building on the momentum established in recent seasons.

As UConn welcomes Candle, all eyes will be on how he plans to elevate the football program and develop the next generation of athletes. Fans and community members are eager to see the impact of his leadership as the Huskies prepare for their upcoming bowl game.