Ryan Manalac is coming to UConn by way of Pitt.
Saturday was an eventful day for the University of Connecticut football team, which lost the Fenway Bowl against Army, but then also reportedly hired Ryan Manalac as its newest defensive coordinator.
Pete Thamel of ESPN had the news on Saturday night.
Sources: Pitt linebackers coach Ryan Manalac has agreed to a two-year deal to be UConn's new defensive coordinator. He spent the last four years at Pitt, coaching First Team All-American Kyle Louis. He’s the former defensive coordinator at Bucknell and Ohio Dominican.
Manalac is the second high-profile hiring for new head coach Jason Candle this week. He also hired Nunzio Campanile as the offensive coordinator. He had previously served as the quarterbacks coach at Syracuse.
About Manalac
A former linebacker at Cincinnati, Manalac has also coached at Michigan State, Valporaiso, Bucknell and Old Dominion (in addition to Pitt). He was the defensive coordinator at Old Dominion and Bucknell, so that means he's called plays and run a defense before, which will be a big benefit for Candle's first staff.
Manalac played four years for the Bearcats, appearing in 51 total games. He had 115 solo tackles, one interception, 1.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
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About the Huskies
With its bowl game loss, UConn finished the season at 9-4 - its second straight nine-win season. As a result of the coaching change from Jim Mora to Candle, the Huskies are expected to experience a high roster turnover in the transfer portal, which opens up next week.
In addition to that, the Huskies will also lose standout quarterback Joe Fagnano and All-American receiver Skyler Bell to graduation. Both players should get NFL opportunities, with Bell potentially be a high draft pick. Star running back Cam Edwards is in the portal as well, but it's unclear if he'll officially leave.
Also on campus
--The UConn men's basketball team, currently 11-1, will resume Big East play on Wednesday night against Xavier. The Huskies are 2-0 inside league play after beating Butler and DePaul. The game will be played in Cincinnati, Ohio, and will begin at 5 p.m. ET. That's New Years Eve, for those planning around the Huskies game.
--The UConn women's basketball team, ranked No. 1 nationally, will take the floor on Sunday afternoon against Butler. The game will begin at 4 p.m. ET. The Huskies are 12-0 and are already 3-0 inside league play.
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