University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Announces Jason Candle as New Head Football Coach
12/6/2025 10:30:00 AM | Football
Candle Named the 33rd Head Coach In Program History
STORRS, CT – Jason Candle has been named the next head football coach at the University of Connecticut, as announced by director of athletics David Benedict on Saturday. Candle will become the 33rd head coach in the program's history, which dates back to 1896.
Candle and UConn have agreed to a six-year deal through the 2031 season. He will be officially announced at a press conference on Monday, December 8. Further details to follow.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jason Candle as the next head coach of UConn Football," said Benedict. "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. 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. We are excited to welcome Jason, his wife Nicole, their daughter Avery, and sons Cameron and Colton to Storrs and UConn Nation. We couldn't be more excited about the future of UConn Football under his leadership."
"I am honored to be named the head football coach at the University of Connecticut," stated Candle. "UConn is a prestigious institution and I'm grateful to David Benedict and the leadership team for entrusting me with this opportunity. Nicole, Avery, Cameron, Colton, and I are excited to join the Husky family and become part of the Storrs community. UConn has all the ingredients for success—outstanding facilities, passionate fans, and a commitment to excellence. I look forward to building on the incredible momentum here and developing a program that builds young men of character and makes our fans and alumni proud. I can't wait to get to work with our student-athletes and staff. Let's go Huskies!"
Candle concluded his 10th season as Toledo's head coach, guiding the Rockets to an 8-4 record in 2025. With 81 career victories, he is the winningest coach in school history, surpassing Gary Pinkel (1991-2000). Under his leadership, the Rockets have won two Mid-American Conference Championship titles (2017, 2022), three MAC West Division crowns, and made seven bowl appearances.
No MAC team has won more games than Toledo during Candle's tenure, and the program has not had a losing season in any of his ten years at the helm. He earned MAC Coach of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2023.
Candle's recent seasons have been particularly impressive. In 2023, Toledo went 11-3 with an 8-0 MAC record—the first time in school history—and earned a Top 25 ranking for the first time since 2015. The following year, the Rockets defeated two Power Four opponents, including a 41-17 victory at Mississippi State and a thrilling six-overtime win over Pitt. In 2022, Toledo won both the MAC Championship and the Boca Raton Bowl, becoming the first Rocket team since 2001 to capture a conference title and bowl game in the same season.
Candle has excelled at developing NFL talent, with 10 Toledo players selected in the NFL Draft during his tenure as head coach. Most notably, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell became the first Toledo player drafted in the first round in 31 years when Philadelphia selected him 22nd overall in 2024. Other notable NFL players include Kareem Hunt, who led the NFL in rushing as a rookie, and Diontae Johnson, a 2021 Pro Bowler who has over 4,300 career receiving yards.
Beyond on-field success, Candle has built a culture of academic excellence and elite recruiting. The program has surpassed a 3.0 GPA in nine seasons under his leadership and earned a 94 percent Graduation Success Rate in each of the past two years.
Toledo has recruited the No. 1 MAC class seven times during his tenure, including the 2024 class, which received the highest rating in MAC history and ranked ahead of several Power Four programs.
Before becoming head coach in December 2015, Candle spent six years as Toledo's offensive coordinator, helping build one of the nation's most productive offenses. A 2003 Mount Union graduate where he was an All-OAC receiver, Candle also coached at Mount Union for six years, winning three Division III national championships as the offensive coordinator and receivers coach.
His 15-year tenure at Toledo, first as an assistant and then as head coach, has established him as the most successful coach in program history.
What They are Saying about Jason Candle –
"UConn has hired an excellent head coach, and an even better person in Jason Candle. Having played and coached alongside Jason, I know the kind of competitor he is and have extreme confidence that he will put everything he has into the Huskies' program. His knowledge of the game is second to none, and his abilities as a leader have always allowed him to maximize the potential of his players and staff. During our years together under Coach Kehres at Mount Union, we learned countless lessons we carry with us today, but nothing more important than the value of commitment, accountability and connection. I'm excited to watch Jason lead the Huskies into the future and congratulate UConn on realizing the special person Jason is and how that can benefit the University. I wish my friend and his new team nothing but the best." – Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach
"Jason Candle is a great football coach but an even greater developer of men. Jason will build a championship program and culture for this proud program!" - Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach
"Jason began his coaching career here at Mount Union. He became our offensive coordinator and play caller within a few years. He was a great recruiter then and has been throughout his career. His years at Toledo demonstrate the consistency of his leadership." - Larry Kehres, Legendary Mount Union Coach
"Jason is a proven winner. After meeting with him, it's clear his vision and enthusiasm make him the right person to lead our football program and continue to build on the momentum of the last four seasons."– Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Women's Basketball Coach
Candle Coaching File:
2015-25 Toledo Head Coach
2014-15 Toledo Associate Head Coach - Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
2012-13 Toledo Assistant Coach – Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2010-11 Toledo Assistant Coach – Wide Receivers
2009 Toledo Assistant Coach – Slot Receivers / Tight Ends
2007-08 Mount Union Assistant Coach – Offensive Coordinator
2002-06 Mount Union Assistant Coach – Wide Receivers
