Husky Homecoming: UConn Re-Hires Randy Edsall

By Bob Phillips

 

Randy Edsall, the most successful head coach in UConn football history, is
returning to Connecticut as the Huskies' head coach after a four-plus year
stint at Maryland.

The University of Connecticut wasted little time in filling their football coaching void. Even though former coach Bob Diaco remains on the payroll (his dismissal is effective on Jan 2 because of a buyout clause in Diaco’s contract that decreases considerably after the first of the year), UConn has already announced Diaco’s replacement. And in this case, the Huskies have gone back to the well and named Randy Edsall as their “new” head coach for the 2017 season.

Edsall, of course, led the Connecticut football program to its highest point—a Big East championship and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl in 2010. During Edsall’s first go-round in Storrs, from 1999 to 2010, the Huskies had truly become a national force. Highlights included postseason bowl appearances in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; Big East titles in 2007 and 2010; a No. 13 national ranking in 2007; and the biggest win in program history—a 33-30 double-overtime victory over Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., in 2009. The following year, after getting off to a slow start (3-4), Edsall rallied his troops to win their last five games, leading the Huskies to the Big East title, primarily thanks to their first-ever win over West Virginia. That led to an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl were the Huskies were thoroughly thrashed by the Oklahoma Sooners, 48-20 on New Year’s Day 2011.

Then, after suffering arguably the most embarrassing loss in program history, things went from the sublime to the ridiculous when Edsall did not accompany the Huskies home to Storrs, but rather boarded a plane, flew to Maryland, and was named head coach of the Terrapins (his alma mater). Ouch. But in four-plus season at Maryland, after leading the Terps to a 22-34 record (10-24 in the ACC), Maryland opted to replace Edsall after six games in 2015. He wound up with the NFL’s Detroit Lions as director of football research-special projects under Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn, who was a graduate assistant for Edsall at UConn in 1999.

"Coach Edsall is the right fit for our university, football program and student-athletes," said UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict of the man who assumes the job as the Huskies’ winningest coach in program history on day one. “He led UConn to the most successful period in the history of our football program, and I believe he will provide consistent leadership and long-term success once again."

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to rejoin and lead the UConn program," said Edsall. "I want to thank President [Susan] Herbst, Athletic Director David Benedict and the rest of the administration for believing I am the right person to build this program and develop its student-athletes. I look forward to working with David, our student-athletes and the entire athletic department."

Regarding his abrupt departure following the embarrassing loss to Oklahoma, Edsall said, "Certainly as I look back on it, I wish I had done things differently in that instance. I completely understand and respect that there are loyal fans, supporters and former players that still have not forgotten, and it will take time to forgive. "

 

But the simple fact is that the Huskies have three bowl wins in program history, and Edsall has been on the sidelines for all three. One would be hard pressed to argue why Edsall should not be brought back.

“I have many incredible memories of my time at UConn and I hope the fans do too,” continued Edsall, who will earn $1 million annually with provisions for performance bonuses over the course of the five-year deal. “It is my goal to get us back to that level of success, and I hope that all of the Husky fans out there will be along for the ride.”

Edsall will formally be introduced as the Huskies’ head coach at a press conference on Friday, Dec. 30 on the club level at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Edsall’s “Welcome Back” ceremony is open to the public.