While I’ve been called delusional at times (who isn’t) those who think Joe Moorhead might be our next HC need to look deeply into the mirror to see what delusion actually looks like.
There are three variables that can vault coaches into the mix as rational UConn HC targets.
MONEY—-if the size of their contract (and buyout) affords us the ability to offer substantially more including an assistant pool.
FIT—if they possess the criteria set down by the AD as being vital to the hire.
BOOST—if a stint at UConn can help lift the presumed arc of their personal career paths.
Whoever your favorite name is, test him against those variables and see how he measures up. I chose Toledo’s Jason Candle as an example of someone I would welcome as our HC. Then I did a little internet research to see how he measured up against the three criteria. Try that exercise with your own favorite name.
First the money.
“In 2015, Toledo OC Jason Candle was named Head Coach when Matt Campbell left for Iowa State, After successful seasons In 2016, ‘17 and ‘18, Candle signed a 2-year extension to remain the head football coach through 2023. The new contract makes Candle the highest paid head coach in the Mid-American Conference at $1.1 million. He’ll make an additional $25,000 each year until the end of the contract. There’s also a $450,000 buyout if Candle chooses to take another job.”
What about the second variable, fitting DB’s criteria, Candle has an undeniable offensive pedigree. He’s sustained and enhanced a successful winning program at Toledo. His combination of youth, charisma and energy bodes well for recruiting to provide UConn with a good chance for a winning program. He’s capable of both energizing the fan base and increasing the amount of giving.
Now, what about the third variable, is this a career boost?
“Candle reportedly has designs to take one of the big jobs in the midwest—Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan State. But would any of those schools hire a coach directly from the MAC? Even Urban Meyer (Bowling Green to Utah) and Brian Kelly (Central Michigan to Cincinnati) had another rung to climb between the MAC and the big time. So, if that also turns out to be the case with Candle, he seems perfectly primed to replace whoever is currently ahead of him in the FBS pecking order -- like Luke Fickell at Cincinnati who’s been rumored to be a top candidate at several schools, or, to bring it full circle, he could replace Matt Campbell at Iowa State if and when he moves on.”
(Now try and picture this phrase being added to that article)
—‘or perhaps (Candle) will seek the Head Coaching job at eastern independent UConn in a quest to resurrect their currently moribund program.
We all know money is a issue with the BOT but if the right candidate is there at the right price, even given the current debate on spending priorities—we’ll likely find it. And then, if the prospect generally fits the criteria DB is looking for—then it’s all about the third variable. Does the coaching candidate we desire see this job as more boost than bust to his resumé? Would the potential reward outweigh the risk? Answer that question and we’ll have our new HC, and he’ll be a more rational, less delusional choice than Joe Moorhead.
