UConn Football Makes Change at Offensive Coordinator

For the second time in Bob Diaco’s tenure, the UConn Huskies will take the field with a new offensive coordinator following the demotion of Frank Verducci. David Corley, previously the running backs coach and director of player engagement, will be taking over.

Corley played his college football at William & Mary, where he graduated in 2002 and began a professional career playing across the CFL and Arena Football League. He joined his alma mater’s staff in 2008, staying there until he was hired by Diaco.

The Diaco era started with Mike Cummings as the offensive coordinator. Cummings seemed to have a solid resume going into the role but the offense struggled immensely under his watch. He was demoted after Diaco’s first season and ultimately replaced by Frank Verducci.

Verducci’s hire was met with skepticism around these parts, particularly because he had never previously held the job he was hired for. That’s right, the guy tasked with turning around UConn’s offense had never called plays before at any level.

22 games later, his time as an offensive coordinator is over with.

Verducci still brings value to what is a relatively young staff thanks to his experience and ties to the recruit-rich state of New Jersey, where his father was a legendary high school football coach. Given this value and his ties to Diaco, who he recruited to Iowa, coaching on Hayden Fry’s staff while Bob played there, it seemed unlikely Verducci would be asked to leave the team.

The offense has plenty of talent, with good running backs, a solid stable of receivers led by senior Noel Thomas, and great tight ends who have been invisible in the passing game. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs has his limitations, but he and the offensive line have simply not been put in the right situation to succeed.

Corley’s first game as offensive coordinator will take place on Friday night at Pratt & Whitney Stadium as the Huskies host Temple, with kick-off at 7 p.m.