UConn made an investment in a coach with an impressive track record when it hired Jason Candle from Toledo to replace Jim Mora and continue the momentum of its football program, which has put together back-to-back nine win seasons.
Candle was officially introduced in a press conference at Rentschler Field on Monday. He spoke on the momentum of the program, mentioning that it was appealing to take over a program not on “life support,” an analogy he used multiple times, and have a chance to hit the ground running.
UConn will finish its historic 2025 season in the Fenway Bowl against Army on Dec. 27, competing under interim head coach Gordon Sammis with a chance at the program’s first 10-win season in its FBS era.
In the meantime, Candle will get started on preparing the program for the future.
His contract, obtained by The Courant, runs through 2031 and includes a base annual salary of $400,000 and supplemental compensation of $2,115,000 annually. His salary is more than doubled from his time at Toledo, where he made $1.15 million annually.
A deeper look at Candle’s deal:
College Football Playoff Incentives
The contract includes up to $1,000,000 in incentives surrounding the College Football Playoff.
Candle would earn $150,000 for leading the Huskies to the CFP, $225,000 for an appearance in the quarterfinal round, $500,000 for a semifinal appearance, $700,000 for a national championship game appearance and $1,000,000 for winning the national championship.
The incentive payments are non-cumulative.
Other incentives
Candle will receive win total bonuses if the Huskies exceed six wins, starting at $25,000. He would receive $50,000 for a seven-win season, $100,000 for eight wins, $150,000 for nine wins, $225,000 for 10 wins, $325,000 for 11 wins and $400,000 for a 12-win season.
If UConn makes an appearance in a non-CFP bowl game, Candle will receive $50,000. The number goes up to $75,000 if the Huskies win a non-CFP bowl game.
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These win total incentives are also non-cumulative.
The prize for being named Coach of the Year (by either Football Writer’s; Walter Camp; Football Foundation; AP; or AFCA) is $150,000.
There is also a $150,000 incentive for being ranked in the top-25 in the final College Football Playoff poll.
Candle will earn $25,000 if home attendance at Rentschler Field increases by 10% from the previous season.
Buyout
If Candle decides to terminate his contract on or before Dec. 31, 2026, he would owe the University $5,000,000. The number decreases by $1,000,000 each year of the contract, making a buyout after Dec. 31, 2027 worth $4 million, a buyout before Dec. 31, 2028 worth $3 million, etc.
Other benefits
UConn will reimburse up to $50,000 in moving expenses and up to $4,500 per month for temporary housing up to six months. The University will also pay the fee for an annual family country club membership in Connecticut.