UConn football is hitting the reset button on its coaching staff, and it’s doing so with purpose. According to multiple reports, the Huskies have filled key roles on both sides of the ball - and beyond - with a group of coaches bringing a mix of FBS experience, recruiting chops, and player development pedigree.
The new hires include offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as fresh leadership at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line positions. There's also a new general manager and special teams coordinator in the fold.
Let’s break down what’s shaping up to be a significant overhaul in Storrs.
Offensive Coordinator: Nunzio Campanile
Nunzio Campanile is reportedly set to take over as UConn’s offensive coordinator. He arrives from Syracuse, where he served as the quarterbacks coach, and brings with him a résumé that’s deeply rooted in Northeast football.
Campanile’s coaching path runs through Rutgers, where he was not only a key offensive assistant but also served as interim head coach. He also made his mark at the high school level, leading two powerhouse programs in New Jersey.
Campanile has twice stepped into interim head coaching roles - at Rutgers and most recently at Syracuse - a testament to the trust programs have placed in his leadership. His connections in New Jersey and the broader Northeast recruiting scene could be a major asset for UConn as it looks to solidify its identity and talent pipeline. Football is in his bloodline, too - his brother Anthony is currently the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Manalac
On the other side of the ball, Ryan Manalac is reportedly stepping in as defensive coordinator. He brings a strong defensive pedigree, having spent the last five seasons as Pitt’s linebackers coach, where he helped develop a physical, versatile group of backers and hybrid defenders. Prior to that, he served as defensive coordinator at Bucknell (FCS) and Dominican University (Division II), gaining valuable experience leading entire units.
Manalac’s path is classic grind-it-out football - a former walk-on at Cincinnati who earned a scholarship and later played in the NFL. He cut his coaching teeth under Mark D’Antonio at both Cincinnati and Michigan State, programs known for their defensive toughness. His background suggests a no-nonsense, detail-oriented approach that should resonate with players looking to elevate their game.
Special Teams Coordinator: Pat Cashmore
Special teams will be under the direction of Pat Cashmore, who comes to UConn after a stint in the same role at Washington State. He’s also held special teams coordinator duties at South Dakota State and Pittsburg State (D-II), with earlier experience as an offensive quality-control assistant at Toledo. Cashmore’s journey reflects a coach who’s climbed the ladder through multiple levels of the college game, and his familiarity with Jason Candle - UConn’s new head coach - from their time at Toledo adds another layer of continuity.
General Manager: Kevin Potter
Kevin Potter is expected to take on the general manager role, bringing front-office experience from both the college and professional levels. Most recently, he served as GM at Sacramento State, and before that, worked in the UFL’s league office.
He even crossed paths with Skip Holtz while completing his degree - a connection that speaks to his football network. The GM position is increasingly critical in today’s college football landscape, especially with the transfer portal and NIL considerations, and Potter’s background suggests he’s well-equipped to navigate that terrain.
Wide Receivers Coach: Kerry Dixon II
Kerry Dixon II is reportedly joining the staff as wide receivers coach, and he brings a strong mix of NFL and college experience. Dixon was most recently at Kent State in the same role, and before that was on staff with the Baltimore Ravens as an offensive assistant. He’s also coached receivers at Georgia Tech and Florida, and worked with Candle at Toledo as the running backs coach back in 2017-2018.
Dixon’s ability to develop talent at multiple positions and levels - from the SEC to the NFL - makes him a valuable addition. His familiarity with Candle’s system and expectations should help smooth the transition for the Huskies’ wideout room.
Offensive Line Coach: John Morookian
Rounding out the offensive staff is John Morookian, who is set to coach the offensive line. He spent the 2025 season at Michigan as an assistant OL coach, his second stint with the Wolverines.
Morookian has also coached offensive lines at Charlotte, Kansas, and Akron, and played his college ball at Toledo - prior to Candle’s arrival. He’s been on staff with the Rockets twice before, once as a grad assistant and again in a quality-control role.
Morookian’s coaching journey has taken him through some tough trenches, and his track record suggests he knows how to build cohesion up front. He’s also a Rhode Island native, which could help on the regional recruiting trail.
Big Picture
This is more than just a reshuffling of titles - it’s a strategic rebuild. UConn is bringing in proven developers of talent, coaches with recruiting ties across the Northeast and Midwest, and staffers who’ve worked across every level of the sport. There’s a clear Toledo connection threading through several hires, which should help establish a unified vision under Candle.
For a program looking to re-establish itself and build momentum, this coaching staff gives UConn a solid foundation. Now the real work begins - installing systems, recruiting, and developing players who can execute at a high level. But if the résumés are any indication, the Huskies are putting the right pieces in place.