Report: UConn has strong interest in UCLA OC Noel Mazzone

UConn is looking for a new head football coach, and the Huskies have interest in UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, according to a report.

Pete Roussel of CoachingSearch.com reports that UConn has strong interest in Mazzone.

A source tells me UCONN is eyeing UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. Strong interest.

— Pete Roussel (@coachingsearch) November 23, 2013

Mazzone was one of the most significant additions Jim Mora made to his staff when he was hired by UCLA prior to the 2012 season. Mazzone is considered an excellent recruiter and play-caller, and he has been one of the reasons for the Bruins’ turnaround. In fact, Mazzone spent two seasons at Arizona State prior to UCLA, and a Sports Illustrated article says current Bruins star quarterback Brett Hundley and his father “adored” Mazzone, who recruited Brett at ASU.

The UConn program is going through its worst season since Randy Edsall got the program started in 2000. They’re currently 0-9 and fired Paul Pasqualoni after an 0-4 start. The team hasn’t had a winning season since Edsall departed for Maryland after leading the Huskies to four straight bowl games.

The benefit of the UConn job is that the team plays in the American Conference, where there isn’t a historically dominant football team. The downside for Mazzone is that he has never recruited in that area.

Despite some of their complaints this season, Bruins fans are hoping nothing materializes with the situation; Mazzone is an important member of the staff.

Mazzone’s full bio is available at the UCLA athletics site here.