In a significant development for college football, Jim Mora is reportedly poised to leave UConn for the head coaching position at Colorado State. According to ESPN”s Pete Thamel, a deal between Mora and Colorado State is expected to be finalized soon.
Mora”s tenure at UConn has been marked by notable achievements, including back-to-back nine-win seasons, a feat the program had not accomplished since 2007. He joined the Huskies in 2021, taking over after the disappointing second term of Randy Edsall and the team”s shift to independence following its exit from the American Athletic Conference.
During his first season, Mora led UConn to a 6-7 record, securing the program”s first bowl game appearance since 2015. However, the following season saw a regression, with the Huskies starting with five consecutive losses and finishing with a 3-9 record. In response, the program invested heavily in talent acquisition and name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives, resulting in significant improvements.
The 2024 season proved to be a turning point, as UConn achieved eight regular-season victories, the highest since 2010, and capped it off with a victory over North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl. This season, the Huskies have already secured nine wins, including impressive victories against Boston College and Duke, and they are on track to possibly reach ten wins if they receive a bowl invitation.
Mora”s impact at UConn included enhancing the offensive line, recruiting talented quarterbacks, and developing players who previously went unnoticed. His tenure has also seen Gordon Sammis receiving Broyles Award nominations for two consecutive years after being elevated from offensive line coach, along with the hiring of experienced defensive coordinator Matt Brock.
When Mora took over, the atmosphere surrounding UConn football was bleak, with discussions about potentially downgrading to FCS or even shutting down the program entirely. His initial successes demonstrated that progress was possible at UConn, and he effectively guided the program through a time of extensive changes, helping it adapt to new roster construction strategies.
In addition to Colorado State, Mora had been linked to job openings at Oregon State and Stanford. The timing of his move indicates a proactive approach before the coaching carousel gains momentum. Next season, Colorado State will join a restructured Pac-12, which will include schools left over from the previous conference breakdown and standout teams from the Mountain West.
With Mora”s departure, UConn will join the ranks of numerous colleges seeking new head coaches, as several positions are currently open and more changes are anticipated as the season concludes. The UConn Blog is expected to compile a list of potential candidates for the coaching vacancy shortly.
