This is the first in a series of profiles of potential candidates for Indiana’s vacant football head coaching position.
Candidate: Jason Candle
Age: 44
Current Position/Tenure: Head coach at Toledo (eight full seasons)
Record as Head Coach: 65-33
Previous Jobs
2014-15: Toledo – Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2012-13: Toledo – Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers
2010-11: Toledo – Receivers
2009: Toledo – Slot Receivers/Tight Ends
2007-08: Mount Union – Offensive Coordinator
2002-06: Mount Union – Receivers
Notable Facts and Numbers
Candle has led Toledo to six bowl games in his eight full seasons as head coach, and his current team (11-1, 8-0) is his most successful. The Rockets are currently ranked No. 23. Candle has never had an overall losing record.
Prior to becoming head coach, Candle had been serving as the program’s associate head coach/offensive coordinator. In that time, Toledo went 56-31, won three MAC West Division co-championships and appeared in four bowl games.
Through Week 13, Toledo ranks 8th in the nation in rushing offense. His teams consistently rank among the top offenses in college football.
Scoring offense national ranking by season when Candle was head coach or offensive coordinator: 2023 (20), 2022 (44), 2021 (26), 2020 (21), 2019 (75), 2018 (9), 2017 (16), 2016 (19), 2015 (31), 2014 (20), 2013 (39), 2012 (44).
Five of Candle’s recruiting classes have been ranked No. 1 in the Mid- American Conference by 247 Sports.
Eight Rockets have been selected in the NFL Draft since 2017.
Why it Might Work
Candle checks a lot of boxes. He has extensive head coaching experience, a track record of consistent success, he’s an offense-oriented coach, and he’s a successful recruiter who is familiar with the Midwest.
Why it Might Not Work / Not Happen
The only glaring question with Candle is whether he could successfully make the leap to Power Five, and that’s obviously a big one. Many have tried and failed. And in the NIL era, that question has never been more relevant.
SEE ALSO:
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- Find us on Facebook: thedailyhoosier
- You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
