Storrs — Lou Spanos is going to remain with the UConn football program.

Spanos, who served as interim head coach after head coach Randy Edsall retired in September, will return to his duties as defensive coordinator, new coach Jim Mora announced on Wednesday.

Spanos, who has 27 years of coaching experience at the college and pro levels, was Mora's defensive coordinator at UCLA from 2012-13.

"Lou possesses an outstanding football mind, and he was a terrific defensive coordinator on my staff for two years at UCLA," Mora said in a release. "The job Lou did for UConn football in 2021 was admirable and it's clear that he has a passion for this team and a great relationship with our student-athletes. I'm looking forward to getting back to work with Lou."

Spanos joined the UConn coaching staff after spending the 2018 season as analyst at Alabama.

"I'm grateful to Coach Mora for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting back to work with our student-athletes and a great group of coaches." Spanos said. "UConn is a special place, and my family and I could not be happier."

When Spanos worked with Mora at UCLA, the Bruins ranked among the nation's leaders in sacks in 2012 and were led by All-American linebacker Anthony Barr (13.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss) and defensive end Datone Jones (6.5 sacks, 19.0 tackles for loss), a first-round NFL draft kick.

UCLA totaled 79 sacks and 58 forced turnovers in two seasons under Spanos, and the Bruins finished the 2013 season ranked 17th nationally after routing Virginia Tech 42-12 in the Sun Bowl on New Year's Eve.

His NFL coaching duties included five years as the linebackers coach for the Tennesse Titans (2014-18), two as linebackers coach with Washington (2010-11) and 15 seasons as a defensive assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a pair of Super Bowl championships.

Spanos graduated from Tulsa in 1994, where he was a four-year letterman at center and played in a pair of bowl games for the Golden Hurricane.