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 on Saturday.
Candle went 81-44 in 10 seasons at Toledo, with two MAC titles. He also coached the Rockets to a win in his debut as head coach, the Boca Raton Bowl in the 2015 season. Toledo was 8-4 this season and is awaiting a bowl assignment.
The 46-year-old Candle has been the top target of UConn’s search since the beginning, sources told Thamel. He visited campus Thursday, and the sides are expected to formalize the deal soon.
Mora is coming off back-to-back nine-win seasons at UConn, which hadn’t had one since 2007. Mora led UConn to three bowl seasons in his four years there; the school had been to only one bowl game in the previous 11 seasons.
UConn’s 2025 season (9-3) included a 2-1 mark against ACC schools, with wins over Duke and Boston College. UConn also had the distinction of not having any losses in regulation, as all three of its defeats came in overtime.
