UConn Announces Jason Candle as New Head Football Coach (Updated)

[huskymedic]

 

[husky429]

When we hired Mora we needed an old head who could steady the program. Perfect time now for hiring a young up-and-comer. DB continues to impress me

 

[freescooter]

Almost certainly not until the job is posted and closes in the UConn job portal.

The job won’t be posted. It doesn’t need to be.

 

[jostar1]

 

[cellocgg]

Candle is arguably better than Mora lol. 81-44 record, three highest recruiting classes in MAC history over the past 3 years, no losing season in 10 years.

I'm sure Iowa State would've loved to get him to replace Campbell

 

[tiger8mush]

Hopefully Sammis returns as OC

 

[UConnTrumbull]

LIGHT THE CANDLE

 

[huskymedic]

Sources: UConn, Toledo's Candle finalizing deal

UConn is finalizing a six-year deal with Toledo's Jason Candle to replace Jim Mora, who left to coach Colorado State, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

www.espn.com

 

[kemba]

Absolute home run.

I thought whoever we got would come with question marks. Whether it was an fcs head coach who we don’t know if they could win at this level, or a coordinator who we don’t know if they could be a head coach, or an nfl guy who needs to adjust to college.

I see no question marks here. The guy is a consistent proven winner. And now he’s going to have more resources. I think the success we’ve had under mora beating who we should for the most part and being competitive against p4 is the floor under Candle and now we’ll see if he can take us to even bigger heights.

Awesome job by DB. Probably 20+ names have been floated since mora left and he just quietly went about his business and got his guy. He’s been at Toledo for awhile and I’m sure potentially had other opportunities in the past to leave so to pull him away is pretty impressive. While we’re always going to have to have some worry about losing a successful coach here, given his background and the 6 year deal doesn’t look like we’re getting someone who’s looking to have 2 good seasons and then jump. Especially since he’s choosing us over a school that’s now proven they can make the playoff. Also have to think UConn feels pretty good about making it into a conference in the next few years, doubt he’s signing on with the expectation of staying independent long term

 

[Kolumbo]

JC - We've had a bit of history when it comes to coaches!!!

 

[uconnfan68]

LIGHT THE CANDLE

Can't believe this thread went this far without posting that.

 

[huskymedic]

Plus Coach Candle has a great recruiting class of his own so I expect some recruiting going on there. UConn is going to get a huge bounce out of this hire!!!

 

[UConnRock]

Feels like the first “normal” HC hire in a long time. There was always a backstory to most recent hires. This is an experienced FBS HC with a winning record. DB gambled with Mora and it paid off. UConn re-established a football presence and is building off that foundation

 

[Devland]

Now can we hire an OC that can drag his QB along with him like Charleton did?

 

[UConnJim]

Candle is arguably better than Mora lol. 81-44 record, three highest recruiting classes in MAC history over the past 3 years, no losing season in 10 years.

I'm sure Iowa State would've loved to get him to replace Campbell

In hindsight, Mora was what UConn needed. He is a good communicator, CEO type coach, and was adaptable to the current college football environment. And his rant for increased NIL was instrumental to helping to wake up the fanbase. And, he delivered two 9 win seasons and 3 bowls in 4 years. He really helped lay the groundwork for rebuilding UConn football as well as others who were involved. I don't like the way he left, but in college football, almost all exits are messy. We should all thank him for what he did.

As for the Candle hire, this is very important hire. UConn grabbed a successful MAC coach which helps show to the outside world that UConn is serious about football. And, don't forget, Candle is a good coach. Plus, we are increasing investment in football. I think this news tells other conferences that we are prepared to go to a P4 conference.

 

[Bongo Fury]

Bring some players with you. You don’t just recruit a coach, you recruit a team.

 

[UConnRock]

Hopefully Sammis returns as OC

This will be interesting. Sammis will have other opportunities given all the coaching changes. Candle called the plays at Toledo. I assume he will want to do the same at UConn. So, it would be a responsibility demotion for Sammis.

 

[metsfan2323]

Feels like the first “normal” HC hire in a long time. There was always a backstory to most recent hires. This is an experienced FBS HC with a winning record. DB gambled with Mora and it paid off. UConn re-established a football presence is building off that foundation

True, this time we didn't hire a coach who was recently fired or a Broyles award winner who has never been a head coach.

Finally got it right, this same formula brought us Hurley and Calhoun.

 

[Forte]

Pessimist in me was skeptical this wouldn't happen .... Pumped about this hire. Perfect fit IMO.. Lets gooo!

 

[Palatine]

Averaged 31 PPG last year. Also had a very good, high take away defense but... his DC is headed to Nebraska.

 

[NH Husky]

Great hire for many of the reasons already given.

Several tweets are pointing out UConn’s investment in football. Makes me think something else is brewing in the background.

 

[giddyup]

Let me shed a some light on this. If we can wax some major opponents next year, Candle will live up to his name.

 

[huskymedic]

Assisted <<

 

[BRS24]

 

[Exit 4]

Great hire for many of the reasons already given.

Several tweets are pointing out UConn’s investment in football. Makes me think something else is brewing in the background.

Maybe something is brewing or maybe UConn just wants to cut off any narratives in the media about why Mora left.