UConn hires Toledo's Jason Candle to replace Jim Mora

UConn named Toledo coach Jason Candle as its next football coach on Saturday.

The school announced Candle signed a six-year deal. No financial terms were disclosed.

He replaces Jim Mora, who departed last month to become the head coach at Colorado State after resurrecting the Huskies' program.

Candle, 46, posted an 81-44 record at Toledo since 2015, leading the Rockets to Mid-American Conference titles in 2017 and 2022.

Toledo is 8-4 this season and awaiting its ninth bowl assignment under Candle's leadership.

"Jason's track record speaks for itself -- he is the winningest coach in Toledo history with 81 victories, two MAC Championships, and a program that has consistently competed at the highest level," UConn athletic director David Benedict said Saturday in a news release. "He has built a culture of excellence both on and off the field, developing young men who succeed at the next level. Jason's ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and win championships makes him the ideal leader for our football program.

Candle visited the Connecticut campus on Thursday.

Mora's Huskies were 27-23 over four seasons, including a 9-3 mark in 2025 that gives UConn back-to-back nine-win campaigns for the first time in program history.

The Huskies qualified for bowl games three times, including this season, and are looking for their first-ever 10-win season.

Before Mora's arrival in Storrs, Conn., the Huskies had won 10 games in their previous five seasons combined.

--Field Level Media