Arizona is being elevated by coordinator competition, according to Brent Brennan.

The Arizona Wildcats have long been a program with significant potential but also plagued by inconsistency. With a rich football history, the Wildcats have had their fair share of ups and downs. However, under the guidance of Head Coach Brent Brennan, a new chapter is being written, one that emphasizes competition within the coaching staff itself. Brennan, having recognized the shortcomings of the 2024 season, believes that introducing competition among coordinators will elevate the program to new heights. His decision to revamp the coaching staff and foster a competitive environment among the key figures of the football team is poised to be a game-changer.

This article explores the strategy behind Brennan’s coaching staff overhaul, the importance of coordinator competition, and what this means for the future of Arizona football.

Arizona’s 2024 Season: A Wake-Up Call

The Arizona Wildcats’ 2024 football season ended on a disappointing note, with the team finishing with a 4-8 record. For a program with aspirations to compete in the Big 12 Conference and beyond, the results were far from ideal. Arizona’s offense was particularly concerning, ranking 98th in total offense and 115th in scoring. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats were even worse. They finished 109th in total yards allowed per game and 110th in points allowed per game.

Despite flashes of talent, the team lacked consistency, execution, and overall cohesion. While many factors contributed to this underperformance, one of the primary areas in need of reform was the coaching staff. With a new head coach in Brent Brennan, who took over in 2024, the expectations were high. However, despite the coach’s experience and potential, the team failed to meet those expectations, prompting a reevaluation of the entire coaching structure.

The Overhaul: A New Direction for Arizona

In December 2024, Brennan made a bold decision to overhaul the coaching staff. All three of Arizona’s coordinators—offensive coordinator Dino Babers, defensive coordinator Duane Akina, and special teams coordinator Danny Gonzales—were either reassigned or let go. This move came as no surprise to those who closely followed the Wildcats’ struggles in 2024. Brennan, a coach known for his ability to inspire and lead, recognized the need for fresh perspectives and new leadership to take the program forward.

Offensive Coordinator: A Shift in Strategy

One of the most significant moves was the departure of Dino Babers, who had served as the offensive coordinator for just one season. Under Babers, Arizona’s offense failed to find a rhythm, ranking poorly in nearly every offensive category. The Wildcats struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack, and quarterback Noah Fifita’s development seemed stunted.

Brennan’s decision to part ways with Babers was not a reflection of Babers’ coaching ability but rather an acknowledgment that a new direction was necessary. With a focus on developing a more explosive offense and getting the best out of Fifita, Brennan is actively seeking a new offensive coordinator who can create a dynamic system that can compete with the top teams in the Big 12. This means a coordinator who can build a potent offense that complements the talent on the roster and addresses the weaknesses that were exposed in 2024.

Defensive Coordinator: A Return to the Secondary

Defensively, Brennan made a significant change by reassigning Duane Akina, the defensive coordinator, to focus solely on coaching the secondary. Akina, one of the more respected defensive minds in college football, has had success in various roles, particularly with defensive backs. However, as the defensive coordinator, Akina was tasked with overseeing an entire defensive unit that struggled in many areas.

By focusing on the secondary, Akina can now leverage his expertise and experience to improve the Wildcats’ pass defense, which was one of the weaker aspects of their game in 2024. This move allows for a more focused approach to the defense and enables Arizona to bring in a new defensive coordinator capable of overseeing the entire defense. Brennan’s decision here also signals a commitment to improving the defense through specialization, which could pay significant dividends moving forward.

Special Teams: A Focus on the Fundamentals

In a somewhat surprising move, Brennan reassigned Danny Gonzales, who had served as both the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, to an undetermined role. Special teams is often an overlooked aspect of football, but Brennan understands its importance in close games, especially in the Big 12 Conference. A dedicated special teams coordinator is essential to Arizona’s long-term success, and Brennan is committed to finding the right person for the job.

Special teams, when executed well, can be a game-changer. The Wildcats need a coach who can focus solely on the nuances of kicking, returning, and blocking. By giving special teams its own dedicated coordinator, Brennan is ensuring that the Wildcats do not overlook any aspect of their game. In an increasingly competitive conference, special teams can often be the difference between a win and a loss.

The Power of Coordinator Competition

One of the driving forces behind Brennan’s decision to overhaul the coaching staff is the concept of coordinator competition. By introducing competition for these vital coaching roles, Brennan is creating an environment where each coordinator is held accountable for their performance. It’s no longer just about implementing strategies; it’s about proving that those strategies are effective and can elevate the program.

Fostering Accountability and Excellence

In many ways, competition among coordinators mirrors the competition among players. When players know that their starting positions are not guaranteed, they push themselves to perform at their best. Similarly, when coordinators know that their jobs are on the line, they will work harder to refine their approaches, develop innovative strategies, and bring their best to the table.

Brennan’s decision to introduce this competition is a clear sign that mediocrity will not be tolerated. Every coordinator will be expected to deliver results, and only those who can do so will remain in their positions. This kind of environment pushes everyone to do their best, and that is what Brennan hopes to cultivate within the Arizona football program.

Bringing in Fresh Perspectives

Another key advantage of coordinator competition is the opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives. College football, like all sports, evolves quickly. What worked yesterday may not work today. By actively seeking out new talent for the coordinator roles, Brennan is positioning the Wildcats to stay ahead of the curve.

This competition also opens the door for innovative approaches to coaching. The best candidates will be those who can adapt to the changing landscape of college football, bring fresh ideas, and implement new strategies that take Arizona’s program to the next level. The pursuit of excellence, innovation, and adaptability is at the heart of Brennan’s vision.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Arizona Football

With the coaching staff overhaul in place, Arizona football is entering a critical phase of its development. Brennan’s leadership and vision, combined with the elevated competition within the coaching ranks, could serve as the catalyst for a successful era for the Wildcats. The next few years are pivotal in determining whether Arizona can become a perennial contender in the Big 12 Conference.

Building a Strong Foundation

For Arizona to succeed, it must establish a solid foundation that includes strong leadership, player development, and effective game plans. The overhaul of the coaching staff is just one part of the equation. Brennan must now focus on recruiting, player development, and ensuring that the coaching staff works cohesively to bring out the best in the team.

Additionally, the Wildcats’ new coordinators will have to quickly develop a rapport with their players and demonstrate that they are capable of guiding the program back to prominence. The key here is creating a winning culture that transcends the individual efforts of any one coach. Arizona’s success will depend on the collective effort of the entire staff and its ability to work together toward a common goal.

Arizona’s Place in the Big 12

As Arizona moves forward in the Big 12 Conference, the competition will only get fiercer. The Wildcats will face off against top-tier programs with established coaching staffs and elite players. To compete at that level, Arizona must not only recruit top talent but also develop it to its fullest potential. The revamped coaching staff will play a central role in ensuring that Arizona remains competitive in this highly competitive conference.

The Road to Recovery

Success will not come overnight. Arizona’s football program has its work cut out for it. However, with Brennan’s leadership and a renewed focus on excellence through competition, the Wildcats are on the right path. The introduction of coordinator competition is just the first step in what promises to be an exciting and transformative journey for Arizona football.

Brent Brennan’s overhaul of the Arizona Wildcats’ coaching staff represents a bold and necessary step toward elevating the program. By introducing competition among coordinators, Brennan is fostering an environment where accountability, innovation, and excellence are paramount. Arizona’s future in the Big 12 Conference hinges on the success of this strategy, and if implemented correctly, it could mark the beginning of a new era of success for the Wildcats.

Through this focus on coordinator competition, Brennan is sending a clear message: the time for mediocrity is over. Arizona football is poised for greatness, and it starts with the coaching staff. With the right leadership and an emphasis on competition at every level, the Wildcats have the potential to return to national relevance.