The University of Connecticut hired Bob Diaco, Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, as its head coach, ESPN reported. Diaco will make $1.5 million in the first year of the five-year deal.
The 40 year-old was behind one of the best defenses in the nation last season leading up to the Fighting Irish's appearance in the national championship game (where they were exposed by Alabama). Diacos "D" that season was number two in the country against the run and surrendered just 13 points per game (but over 40 to the Tide). They finished 12-1 and Diaco won the assistant coach of the year award, according to ESPN.
This year, the defense was much less stout by the numbers -- allowing 22.9 points per game (32nd in the nation) -- but kept the Irish in most of its games. The unit's worst outings were week two against Michigan (41 points) and week six against Oklahoma (35 points). It let up over 30 points in two shootout wins, including the big upset of #14 Arizona State.
Diaco had been linked to a few schools after his big 2012 season, including the Boston College position last year. He was reportedly popular with players, some of whom tweeted their dismay at losing their coordinator, ESPN reported.
Winning immediately at UConn won't be easy after the team's 3-9 record (3-5 after the firing of Paul Pasqualoni in September). Interim coach T.J. Weist wanted to keep the job, but national interest was too ripe for A.D. Warde Manuel to overlook. Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, Ball State head coach Pete Lembo, and Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster were all linked to the position at some point, according to ESPN.
Odd that three of the four candidates were defensive coordinators, given that 27 of 31 open positions went to coaches with offensive expertise.
"I'm equal opportunity," Manuel joked to ESPN. "With the exception of special teams coordinator. No offense to special teams coordinators."
