UConn gets its man

The former Syracuse coach has been selected to succeed Randy Edsall as football coach at the University of Connecticut.

Pasqualoni, 61, was in competition with former University of Massachusetts coach Mark Whipple for the position. The Penn State graduate most recently has been interim defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Pasqualoni gained fame for his 14-year tenure as Syracuse’s head coach (1991-2004), which came after three years as the school’s linebackers coach.

Under Pasqualoni, Syracuse went 107-59-1, made nine bowl appearances (six wins), and won four Big East championships.

Pasqualoni was fired following the 2004 season after the program’s second straight 6-6 year, despite winning the conference title.

Pasqualoni went on to coach linebackers and tight ends for three years in Dallas before becoming the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator for two seasons.

He returned to Dallas as defensive line coach this season, then became interim defensive coordinator in November when coach Wade Phillips was fired.

As a Cheshire, Conn., native, Pasqualoni is no stranger to the area. He broke into collegiate coaching as an assistant at Southern Connecticut State before getting his first head-coaching stint at Division 3 Western Connecticut State, where he stayed from 1982-86 before moving to Syracuse.

Newton bound for NFL Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Auburn released a statement last night announcing the quarterback’s decision. Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory Monday over Oregon.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs. Underclassmen have until tomorrow to declare for the draft.

Newton’s teammate, Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley, will announce today if he plans to skip his senior year and enter the draft. The defensive tackle could be the top overall pick . . . Kentucky wide receiver Randall Cobb, a first-team All-American, will bypass his senior season and enter the draft. . . LSU leading rusher Stevan Ridley says he’s going to the NFL draft.

Stanford picks Shaw David Shaw arrived as an assistant on the Stanford coaching staff with Jim Harbaugh four years ago with the task of rebuilding a one-win team.

He was promoted to replace Harbaugh and maintain the Cardinal’s place as a national contender following their most successful season in decades.

“We’ve got a good football team, a team that’s tough, physical and eager to pick up where we left off,’’ Shaw said.

Shaw won out over fellow assistants Greg Roman and Vic Fangio, among others, to take over the program less than a week after Harbaugh left to become coach of the 49ers.

Michigan QB to stay Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has decided to stay and play for new coach Brady Hoke . . . Joe Paterno reiterated his plans to coach next season . . . LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton has resigned and a person familiar with his plans says the assistant coach is taking a similar job at Maryland under Edsall, his colleague while with BC . . . Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch was hired as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Miami. Fisch will remain with the Seahawks for their playoff run.

Material from wire services was used in this report