Toledo has extended head coach Jason Candle through the 2028 season, the program announced Monday.
His current contract, last extended in January 2023, kept him with the Rockets through 2026. He's paid $1.1 million a year; no financial terms were announced Monday.
"My family and I are incredibly thankful for the continued investment in the football program and our staff by (AD) Bryan Blair and our University administration," said Candle. "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."
Taking over in 2015 following Matt Campbell's departure for Iowa State, Candle has been with the program continuously since 2009.
Now in his ninth season as full-time head coach, Candle is 69-36 overall and 44-19 in MAC play. He's guided the Rockets to six bowl appearances, three MAC West championships, and two MAC championships. Toledo is 10-1 in its last 11 MAC games, dating back to the 2022 conference championship.
"We are very pleased to extend Coach Candle's contract," said Blair. "Not only is Jason one of the finest football coaches in the country, he is also a tremendous leader who is 100 percent committed to the academic success and personal growth of every student-athlete in his program. He has a well-earned reputation of preparing players for careers in the NFL. But Jason is just as proud of the young men who have gone on to successful careers outside of football."
Toledo is 4-1 to start this season, opening MAC play Saturday with a 30-20 win over Miami (Ohio) in a rematch of the 2023 MAC Championship. The Rockets are at Buffalo on Saturday (noon ET, ESPNU).
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