The problem is more powers that be want to see the football program close than want to see it flourish into a legit, money making arm of the athletic department. They are perfectly happy with UConn being known as a basketball school. If UConn had started Division 1 back when the other Northeastern schools did(BC, Syracuse, Pitt, Penn St) then there might be some history, legacy. But they started at least a generation later than everyone else, including Holy Cross(who actually made it to an Orange Bowl). So the uphill battle has turned into a Mount Everest climb.
Is Edsall the answer? Absolutely not. You don't start every first down the same way with Mensah running. Too predictable. No option plays, no receiver screen plays(Holy Cross tried it at least once and it gained them yards). Even if it gains you only a couple of yards it still gives the defense more to worry about. Edsall came back on a bargain basement deal that UConn figured they could afford and that's what you're stuck with. What needs to happen(and most likely will not) is private donors poneying up some serious cash for a serious, proven Div. 1 coaching staff(not just the head coach but a complete staff) that can actually recruit student athletes that can play at this level. Is that going to happen? Who knows, but it's the only way I see UConn football surviving. The school is slowly pulling it's support of football. It's gonna have to happen from outside. The fans, big-money donors, alumn working together to breathe life into this dying program.