Toledo is has extended longtime football coach Jason Candle's contract through the 2028 season, the school announced Monday. The Rockets are currently 4-1 five games into the 2024 season with their only loss coming on the road against Western Kentucky.
That record also includes an impressive 41-17 win against SEC opponent Mississippi State, one of the largest Group of Five-over-Power Four upsets of the season Toledo, which was picked to finish second in the preseason MAC coaches poll, is on track to make a third straight conference title game appearance.
"My family and I are incredibly thankful for the continued investment in the football program and our staff by Bryan Blair and our University administration," Candle said in a statement. "The commitment enhances the foundation that has been built over the last decade and allows our staff to cultivate a unique student-athlete experience that is designed to continue developing champions on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Together, we will continue to be a program that the University, our alumni and the Toledo community can take great pride in."
Toledo won 11 games in 2023 and captured its second MAC title of Candle's tenure in 2022. Candle, who's often a popular name among the Power Four openings when the coaching carousel starts spinning, has seen his stock rise throughout a career largely spent around the Rockets.
He initially came to Toledo in 2009 as the tight ends coach and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2012 when Matt Campbell assumed his role as head coach. Candle was hand-picked to replace Campbell in 2015 when Campbell left for Iowa State. Candle coached the Rockets to a win in the Boca Raton Bowl in his first game leading the program.
Candle hasn't had a losing season since. He boasts a 69-36 overall record -- his 69 wins are second-most in program history -- including a 24-9 showing dating back to the start of 2022 with an impressive 44-19 record in MAC games. Toledo hasn't lost a conference game since Nov. 25, 2022. Candle is also a two-time MAC Coach of the Year, having won the award in 2017 and 2023.