HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut assistant Hank Hughes will serve as interim head coach while the school seeks a permanent replacement for Randy Edsall.

Hughes has been UConn’s assistant head coach for defense the past six seasons.

Athletic director Jeffrey Hathaway said Monday that Hughes is a loyal, long-term member of the coaching staff, making him the perfect choice to provide leadership in a time of transition.

Hughes joined the UConn staff in 2001 from Memphis, where he was defensive line coach.

Edsall was introduced Monday as Maryland’s head coach after a 12-year run at Connecticut. His last game at UConn was the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday night, when the Huskies lost to Oklahoma 48-20.