How UConn interim coach Lou Spanos guided Huskies through challenging season: ‘Beam of light’ (Bonjour @ Hearst)

[huskymedic]

-> Spanos, 50, has been mum on the possibility, declining to provide any insight into his recent conversations with Mora.

“We’re focusing on this team, this season,” Spanos said. “Coach Mora, I have great respect. We were able to talk. We’re focusing on us getting better.”

It’s likely Mora, 60, will overhaul most of the staff, as tends to happen in these situations. But Spanos is a unique case, having drawn almost universal praise for how he’s handled things in wake of Edsall’s abrupt retirement.

“As soon as Coach Spanos came in, he was an immediate beam of light,” senior long snapper Brian Keating said. “He’s always someone I’ve respected immensely. Obviously, I didn’t get to know him as well when he was on the defensive side of the ball just because I was on special teams; as specialists we kind of do our own thing. Being able to see him have the opportunity to be interim head coach, he immediately focused on the entire team, especially these upperclassmen and seniors I’ve been with the last four to five years.

“He came up to us and said, ‘We’re trying to make this experience as fun as possible for you guys.’ … He’s just been an absolute pleasure to play under. I have so much respect for him as a person and as a coach.” <-

 

[LBird33]

Got to give this guy cred. He’s had a tough go and tried to keep the team going. Whatever people may think he deserves a thumbs up for staying committed in what has been a train wreck

 

[DoctorWho85]

The kids played hard for him. I have nothing but respect for Spanos and what he's done since Edsall left. Could things have gone better? Sure, but he kept the teams head in the game as best he could. I hope where ever he lands he sees success, except when they play UConn of course.