The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Huskies fire DC Billy Crocker
Fresh off a historically bad season, the UConn football program is shaking up the coaching staff.
Coach Randy Edsall announced Friday morning that defensive coordinator Billy Crocker, defensive backs coach Curome Cox, director of football strength and conditioning Eric Klein and assistant strength and conditioning coach J.D. Mehlhorn will not be retained. Crocker, who grew up in Waterford, joined UConn in 2017 as a highlytouted assistant after 12 seasons at Villanova
Also, offensive coordinator John Dunn was elevated to associate head coach. Dunn will remain as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The changes on the defensive staff come as no surprise. UConn (1-11) allowed an average of 50.42 points per game, which eclipsed Louisiana-Lafayette’s record of 50.27 in 1997. The Huskies allowed 617.4 yards per game, breaking the Kansas record of 560.83 in 2015.
UConn lost eight games by 30 points or more. The next defensive coordinator will take over a young unit.
“After evaluating the program throughout the season and during the recruiting process, I decided to make these changes to my staff,” Edsall said in a statement. “I appreciate all the work these four men have done and thank them for their effort and dedication during their time at UConn.”
Offensively, the play of quarterback David Pindell (1,962 yards passing, 1,139 rushing) was a bright spot. Dunn was seemingly rewarded for his work.
“John did an outstanding job establishing positive relationships with our student-athletes in his first year with us and installed an effective offense that will continue to be productive,” Edsall said. “I look forward to John being in charge of the UConn offense for years to come.”