Toledo has hired offensive coordinator Jason Candle to replace Matt Campbell as head coach, first reported by WTOL’s Jordan Strack and confirmed by Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman. Campbell was announced as Iowa State’s head coach Sunday after a 35-15 record in four years with the Rockets. An official announcement is expected Wednesday afternoon.
Toledo to promote OC Jason Candle to head coach, players celebrate
Candle was reportedly already in Ames recruiting for Iowa State when the Rockets offered him the job.
Candle was initially going to be one of the assistants Campbell took with him to Ames, likely as Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. He had actually already made it there, reportedly recruiting for the Cyclones.
Jason Candle was at Iowa State recruiting 2 days ago. He's now back to be the Head Coach at Toledo. pic.twitter.com/XKXBT2F8j3
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) December 2, 2015 As soon as Campbell’s new destination was announced, Candle was “overwhelmingly” the choice of the players. When the Rockets named DC Jon Heacock interim head coach, it seemed the school might go in a different direction. But then Candle was offered the job, and he went back from Ames to Toledo.
The Rockets are already celebrating.
Great Day in #RocketNation congrats!!!! @CoachCandle lets get it!!!
— Nae (@TopKeptSECRET) December 2, 2015 It's a great day to be a ROCKET!!!!! Lets keep this train rolling!!! Congrats to my guy! @CoachCandle #RocketNation pic.twitter.com/G81OlYIDfc
— Logan Woodside (@Lwoodside11) December 2, 2015 Good day to be a rocket!!!
— Storm Norton (@stormnorton74) December 2, 2015 Candle joined the Toledo coaching staff in 2009 as a slot receivers/tight ends coach under Tim Beckman, and was promoted to offensive coordinator when Campbell was hired. Under Campbell and Candle, the Rockets ranked in the top five of the MAC in points per game every season, and led the league with 36.6 points per game in 2014.
For more on Toledo and the rest of the MAC, check out Hustle Belt.
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