Toledo names Jon Heacock interim head coach

Following the departure of Matt Campbell to Iowa State, Toledo has officially named defensive coordinator Jon Heacock the team's interim head coach.

"We will begin our search for a new head coach immediately," athletic director Mike O'Brien said in a statement. "There is no timetable for the hiring, but obviously with recruiting coming up, we want to move quickly. In the meantime, we are pleased that Jon Heacock will be leading our team on an interim basis."

Heacock will lead the 9-2 Rockets into their bowl game, which will be announced on Dec. 6.

O'Brien wouldn't reveal whether or not Heacock will be considered a candidate for the full-time position, but multiple sources told Nick Piotrowicz of the Toledo Blade that the interim boss isn't very popular with his players.

"That would be a nightmare," one source said.

Heacock is in his second season as the defensive coordinator of the Rockets, and he steered the unit to the best scoring defense in the MAC this year. The 55-year-old served as the head coach of Youngstown State from 2001-09 and posted a 60-44 record.