UConn Football Parts Ways with Billy Crocker, Others

Someone had to be held accountable for the terrible defensive numbers by the 2018 UConn Huskies football team during their 1-11 season. And now, that shoe has dropped.

UConn football head coach Randy Edsall has relieved Billy Crocker of defensive coordinator duties, after a season in which the Huskies posted historic highs in yardage and points allowed and historic lows in team defensive rankings.

Defensive backs coach Curome Cox, director of strength and conditioning Eric Klein and assistant strength and conditioning coach J.D. Mehlhorn will also not be returning.

“After evaluating the program throughout the season and during the recruiting process, I decided to make these changes to my staff,” head coach Randy 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.”

UConn’s defense gave up an FBS record 617.4 yards per game, 50.4 points per game and an a FBS record 605 points during the 2018 season. In the 2017 season, the defense allowed 519 yards per game while giving up 37.9 points per game.

In addition to the firings, Edsall announced that John Dunn has been elevated to associate head coach while retaining his duties as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

“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,” said Edsall in a statement. “I look forward to John being in charge of the UConn offense for years to come.”