TOLEDO, Ohio — After a decade leading the Rockets, head football coach Jason Candle is leaving Toledo to become the next head coach at UConn, according to multiple reports.
UT athletic director Bryan Blair confirmed Candle’s departure Saturday, thanking him for his leadership and noting that an interim coach will be named soon. Blair said the national search for Toledo’s next head coach is already underway.
Candle leaves as the winningest coach in program history with an 81-44 record, two MAC titles, three division championships, seven bowl appearances, and MAC Coach of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2023. His recruiting classes have ranked No. 1 in the MAC for three straight seasons.
His exit continues Toledo’s long pattern of head coaches moving on to high-profile roles, following the paths of Matt Campbell, Gary Pinkel, and Nick Saban, who all began or elevated their careers with the Rockets.
Candle joined Toledo in 2009 and became head coach in 2015. At UConn, he replaces Jim Mora, who departed for Colorado State after the Huskies finished the season 9–3.
Toledo wrapped up the 2025 season at 8–4 overall and 6–2 in MAC play.
