Jason Candle: UConn’s New Head Football Coach
Jason Candle is now the head football coach at the University of Connecticut. Athletic director David Benedict made this announcement, marking a new chapter for the program.
Candle’s contract runs for six years, through the 2031 season. He will officially be introduced in a press conference on December 8.
Benedict expressed excitement about Candle’s arrival, calling him the winningest coach in Toledo history. With 81 wins and two Mid-American Conference titles, Candle has shown he can build a winning culture. He also emphasizes developing young men who succeed on and off the field.
“I am honored to lead UConn,” Candle said. He praised the university for its potential and expressed eagerness to start working with the team.
Candle recently completed his tenth season at Toledo, finishing with an impressive 8-4 record. His leadership helped Toledo secure two MAC Championships and consistently compete at a high level. Among MAC teams, Toledo had the best record during his tenure, with no losing seasons.
In 2023, Toledo achieved remarkable success, finishing 11-3 and ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in eight years. Candle’s coaching also contributed to top-tier NFL talent, like Quinyon Mitchell, who was drafted in the first round.
Candle’s impact extends beyond the field. His players repeatedly achieved academic excellence, consistently averaging GPAs above 3.0. This commitment to education is shown in the program’s 94% Graduation Success Rate.
Experts are optimistic about Candle’s future at UConn. Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighted Candle’s competitiveness and leadership. Matt Campbell from Penn State emphasized Candle’s ability to develop young men and foster a championship culture. Larry Kehres, a legendary coach from Mount Union, praised Candle’s recruiting skills and consistent performance.
In the world of college football, effective recruiting can make or break a program. Candle’s previous classes at Toledo included highly-ranked recruits, often rated above many Power Five schools.
Candle’s journey is also rooted in a strong, historical coaching background. Before becoming the head coach, he was the offensive coordinator at Toledo. His early coaching days at Mount Union saw him win multiple national championships, laying the groundwork for his future success.
As Candle steps into this new role, all eyes will be on how he builds UConn football into a contender. With his track record, there’s a sense of optimism that he will bring UConn back to prominence in college football.
