UConn defensive coordinator Hank Hughes has been named interim head coach, and will serve in that capacity while UConn officials begin to search for a new permanent candidate.
The athletic department made the announcement earlier today. Hughes has been an assistant coach at UConn for the past 10 seasons, and has served as the defensive coordinator for the past three.
“Hank Hughes is the perfect choice to fill the role as interim head coach for our football program,” said UConn AD Jeffrey Hathaway through a statement. “He has been a long-time member of our coaching staff and is extremely loyal to our university and our Division of Athletics. Hank will provide outstanding leadership to our football student-athletes and support staff during this time of transition.”
“I am extremely excited to serve as interim head coach of the University of Connecticut football program,” Hughes said through the same press release. “We are proud of our success and what we have achieved. Our student-athletes, coaches and support staff look to build upon the current success of this program and continue to move forward to new heights both academically and athletically.”
Since Edsall’s departure, a wide variety of names have been floated as possible replacements. The early popular choice seems to be former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach, who finished second to Edsall in the running for the Maryland job. Leach was successful at Texas Tech, but he is somewhat of a controversial figure and UConn might prefer to make a more conservative hire.
Other possible candidates who have been suggested include Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is expected to be fired later this week, and Hartford native Eric Mangini, who was fired by the Cleveland Browns earlier today. Former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski could also be looked at.
UConn could conceivably go for the home run too and try to hire Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Such a move might be unlikely, as Harbaugh is expected to jump to the NFL after this season, but if UConn was able to pull it off, it would be a bold statement that would surely re-energize the program after the disappointment following Edsall’s departure.
Edsall addresses the media
During his introductory press conference, Edsall expressed his excitement to be the new Maryland head coach, calling the position his dream job.
When asked about the nature of his departure, however, Edsall grew somber.
“That’s always the toughest thing,” Edsall said. “When you make a change in life, the timing is never good. It never turns out the way you’d like it to be. I tried to do the best I could given the situation. I would have liked to see those young men in person to tell them. I wasn’t able to do that, so I thought I would try to do the next best thing.”
Edsall addressed the team on the charter flight to Hartford via conference call. There were approximately 25 players on the flight. Everyone else found out through news reports and a barrage of text messages.
Wide receiver Kashif Moore said he found out right after his flight back from Arizona landed, and that he and the players he was with were all speechless when they heard the news.
Hathaway, who released a statement shortly after Edsall was introduced at Maryland, praised Edsall for his success in building the program during his time in Storrs. He went on to lay out his standards for Edsall’s replacement.
“We will hire the coach who can best lead and continue to enhance this football program into the future,” Hathaway said. “That individual will be dedicated to excellence in the classroom, on the football field, and in the community – and also dedicated to the many constituents who support our University and its athletics program. We are committed to continuing the winning tradition which defines UConn Athletics and will move as expeditiously as possible to identify the individual who reflects the ideals of our institution.”
What comes next?
It remains to be seen what kind of impact Edsall’s departure will have on the program in terms of players transferring and recruits de-committing. But good news did come early for the Huskies, as highly touted quarterback recruit Mike Nebrich said he still plans on playing for UConn.
As far as the players who are already in Storrs go, Edsall’s departure will be another challenge to overcome after several years filled with adversity of all sorts.
“It’s a big obstacle that we are having to overcome,” said quarterback Mike Box. “But I think we will deal with it and be a stronger team because of it.”