Mora makes the rounds
In his first days at UConn he’s been Tweeting, talking and meeting Paige Bueckers: ‘So fired up’
UConn football is barreling toward its 10th consecutive losing season. That’s right, a decade of ineptitude, save for one bowl appearance under Bob Diaco.
Based on that, and that alone, it’s no wonder attendance has plummeted. Many fans are angry, upset or, in some cases, just plain apathetic.
Now, in comes Jim Mora.
The former NFL coach, introduced last Thursday as Randy Edsall’s successor, is tasked with changing the culture and ultimately restoring the luster to a program that not long ago competed in a BCS bowl. It’s undoubtedly a big undertaking, but Mora, 59, wants everyone to know he’s game for the challenge.
It’s why Mora’s been making a real effort to be visible and connect with the community — from fans to high school coaches and recruits to boosters — both on social media and in the public.
You may have seen Mora Sunday in Hartford at the UConn women’s basketball opener against Arkansas. Mora addressed the crowd of 9,359 during a break in play at the XL Center, thanking them for their “amazing and warm welcome” and encouraging them to fill Rentschler Field for Senior Day later this month.
“It’s been one heck of a journey for these kids. They need to feel your support one more time, especially these people down here, our students,” Mora enthusiastically said. “Let’s get that student section filled up. Can you do that? Can you pass the word, please?
“Nov. 27 we’re going to take on Houston and get a big win. But listen, thanks for all the support. I’m so fired up.”
Mora also snapped photos with Jonathan the Husky, the school’s mascot, and reigning national player of the Year Paige Bueckers.
“Pretty awesome experience today,” Mora tweeted afterward.
The previous day he spent in
South Carolina, watching the football team’s 44-7 loss to ACC heavyweight Clemson. Mora and athletic director David Benedict flew from Idaho to Atlanta Friday before renting a car and driving to Clemson.
Mora took in some of the action from the press box alongside Benedict before venturing down to the sidelines in the fourth quarter. He was also calling Connecticut high school coaches over the weekend — Danbury’s Augie Tieri was on the phone with Mora as UConn’s Brian Brewton returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
Mora later tweeted back at Tieri: “Was awesome moment with @CoachTieri.” The new coach was also seen shaking hands with UConn players as they left the field.
The visibility is not surprising, given what Benedict was looking for when he set out to find a coach after Edsall resigned two months ago.
“We’re at a point in time where we need some energy, we need some enthusiasm, we need some charisma as it relates to being able to connect with recruits as well as fans,” Benedict said in September. “Ultimately, you’re trying to hire someone who is going to have the ability, knowledge and know-how to build a successful program. Where does that piece fall? I think it’s pretty high.”
There’s also been the usual TV and radio spots, including an appearance on “The Doug Gottlieb Show” on Fox Sports Radio, in which Mora beamed about some of his new colleagues.
“I mean, I get a chance to learn from Geno (Auriemma).
He’s a legend,” Mora said of the Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach. “Danny (Hurley) is great, too. You’ve got Geno and Danny. I’m just going to learn from those guys.”
On Monday, Mora was scheduled to make his debut on the “UConn Football Coaches Show” on ESPN Radio in Hartford.
Expect more media appearances from a guy who has spent the last few years working in TV. Mora, in fact, has previously been to Connecticut as both a TV analyst for UConn football and as a visitor to ESPN’s Bristol campus.
Mora is currently designed as an assistant coach, allowing him to fulfill various responsibilities, including recruiting, before officially taking over Nov. 28.
Already, he’s hard at work.
“I want people to be proud of our football team,” Mora said during his introductory news conference. “I want our fans to be proud of the product that they see on the field. I want them to be proud of the young men that are representing them and the coaches that are representing them.”