Given that Steve Robinson is anticipated to retire, Arizona basketball hires an assistant coach.

Change is in the air in the desert. Arizona basketball, a program steeped in tradition, is preparing for a significant shift on its coaching staff. Longtime assistant coach Steve Robinson is anticipated to retire after a decorated coaching career, prompting head coach Tommy Lloyd to bring in fresh energy with the hiring of a new assistant coach—one expected to play a key role in shaping the future of the Wildcats’ program.

While Robinson’s departure isn’t yet official, sources within the program have acknowledged his intentions to step down ahead of the 2025-26 season. The move comes after three seasons serving alongside Lloyd, where Robinson brought decades of coaching experience, including national championships and deep tournament runs during his time with North Carolina and Kansas.

Now, the focus shifts to who Arizona has tabbed to step into those massive shoes—a rising name in coaching circles who brings recruiting firepower, tactical innovation, and a fresh voice to a team with championship aspirations.

The Legacy of Steve Robinson

Before diving into the new hire, it’s important to appreciate what Steve Robinson brought to the program.

Robinson joined Arizona’s staff in 2021, following Tommy Lloyd’s appointment as head coach. At that time, Lloyd was making the jump from long-time assistant at Gonzaga to first-time head coach of a major program. He needed someone with experience, poise, and knowledge of the ins and outs of college basketball. Robinson checked all those boxes—and more.

Prior to joining Arizona, Robinson spent 18 years as an assistant under Roy Williams at North Carolina, helping guide the Tar Heels to three national championships (2005, 2009, 2017). Before that, he was the head coach at Tulsa and Florida State, amassing a combined 110-104 record.

At Arizona, Robinson played a critical role in smoothing the transition between the Sean Miller and Tommy Lloyd eras. His calm demeanor and extensive basketball IQ earned the trust of players and staff alike. He was especially instrumental in player development and in guiding the team’s defensive strategies.

His impending retirement marks the end of an era—both at Arizona and within college basketball. At 67 years old, Robinson leaves behind a career that helped shape three of the sport’s top programs across multiple decades.

The New Hire: Arizona Looks Toward the Future

To replace a legend like Robinson, Tommy Lloyd sought a coach who could bring something different to the table—a blend of youthful energy, recruiting muscle, and a vision aligned with Arizona’s high-tempo, international-style offense.

Enter Chris Caputo.

Caputo, the former head coach at George Washington, will reportedly join the Wildcats as an assistant coach beginning in the 2025-26 season. Known for his defensive acumen and dynamic personality on the recruiting trail, Caputo has been widely regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game. He also brings ties to several talent-rich regions, particularly the East Coast and international markets—key areas Arizona has prioritized in recent years.

Caputo rose to prominence as Jim Larrañaga’s right-hand man, first at George Mason during its historic Final Four run in 2006, and later at Miami (FL), where he helped turn the Hurricanes into a consistent ACC threat. He earned his first head coaching opportunity at George Washington in 2022, where he worked to rebuild the program through a strong recruiting base and an emphasis on hard-nosed defense.

While his head coaching tenure was relatively brief, insiders praise Caputo’s ability to connect with players and his tireless work ethic—attributes that will serve him well in Tucson.

Why Caputo? Tommy Lloyd’s Calculated Move

Tommy Lloyd has already made his mark at Arizona, posting a 91-17 record in his first three seasons, winning multiple Pac-12 titles, and returning the Wildcats to national relevance. But even with that success, he knows the importance of evolving—and surrounding himself with voices that challenge, support, and complement his vision.

Caputo’s hiring reflects Lloyd’s intent to maintain a staff that combines tactical diversity with recruiting versatility.

“Chris brings a unique lens to the game,” said a source close to the program. “He’s been a head coach, he’s run elite defenses, and he knows how to build relationships with players. He’s going to be a huge asset in a lot of different areas.”

In particular, Caputo’s East Coast ties could help Arizona reestablish a stronger presence in that region—a space it has largely ceded in recent years. Combined with Lloyd’s longstanding international pipeline and Arizona’s growing NIL appeal, the hire represents a clear strategy for future roster-building.

Recruiting Impact: Building on Momentum

Arizona’s recruiting efforts have been solid under Lloyd, especially in the international market, with players like Ąžuolas Tubelis, Kerr Kriisa, and Oumar Ballo making immediate impacts. The Wildcats also landed highly rated American prospects like Kylan Boswell and KJ Lewis.

But with the competitive landscape of recruiting becoming increasingly fierce—and NIL opportunities reshaping how decisions are made—Arizona needs every edge it can get.

Caputo offers that edge.

During his time at Miami, he was credited with helping land players like Lonnie Walker and Bruce Brown, both of whom went on to the NBA. At George Washington, he tapped into the DMV area and New York City, leveraging his deep-rooted connections with grassroots programs and high school coaches.

He’s expected to immediately take the lead on several top 2026 and 2027 targets, including five-star wing Zion Burks (Brooklyn, NY) and four-star combo guard Jaylen Lowe (Baltimore, MD).

Moreover, Caputo’s ability to speak multiple languages and work with international players fits seamlessly into Lloyd’s existing framework.

Coaching Style: Defense, Detail, and Development

While Lloyd has become known for his offensive wizardry and player-friendly style, Caputo will likely be tasked with elevating the team’s defense—an area that has occasionally lagged behind the offensive fireworks.

During his tenure at Miami, Caputo helped craft one of the ACC’s most aggressive defensive schemes. His emphasis on communication, switching concepts, and transition defense helped the Hurricanes become a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Sources within the program indicate that Caputo will have autonomy in overseeing defensive strategy, similar to how Robinson handled that aspect during his time in Tucson. His arrival signals a possible shift toward more pressure defense and hybrid zone looks—particularly beneficial given Arizona’s length and athleticism.

In addition, Caputo’s reputation as a player development specialist bodes well for Arizona’s younger players. His personalized coaching approach, film-room intensity, and emphasis on accountability resonate with today’s athletes.

“He’s all about making guys better—on and off the court,” said one former player. “He challenges you, but he’s always in your corner.”

The Locker Room Factor: Maintaining Culture Amid Change

Losing a respected figure like Robinson could have ripple effects on team chemistry, especially for upperclassmen who’ve built strong relationships with him. But sources within the team say Lloyd and the staff have already communicated the transition plan to players, with an emphasis on continuity and trust.

Caputo has already begun reaching out to players via Zoom calls and visits, establishing early rapport with returning starters like Boswell and Lewis, as well as incoming transfers and freshmen. His relatable style and East Coast swagger are already making waves.

“Coach Caputo’s got that energy,” said one current player anonymously. “He’s got stories, jokes, but he knows when it’s time to lock in. We’re excited.”

Arizona has built a strong locker room culture under Lloyd—one that balances high expectations with authenticity. Caputo’s integration will be a storyline to watch during summer workouts and the upcoming fall camp.

What’s Next: Program Stability and a Bright Horizon

With Caputo in place, Arizona is expected to round out its coaching staff with a support hire, possibly a younger assistant or player development coordinator. Robinson, though retiring, may remain with the program in an advisory role during the transition.

For Tommy Lloyd, this move is another example of how he’s quietly and effectively built one of the most stable programs in college basketball. Despite pressure, roster turnover, and the shifting sands of NIL, Lloyd has maintained continuity and momentum.

And now, with Caputo onboard, the next chapter of Arizona basketball is already being written.

A Farewell and a Fresh Start

As Steve Robinson prepares to leave the game, he does so with admiration and gratitude from a basketball world that knows just how rare his contributions have been. A coach’s coach, a players’ mentor, and a program stabilizer, Robinson helped usher Arizona into a new era with dignity and quiet brilliance.

And as Chris Caputo steps onto campus, he carries with him both the weight of expectation and the opportunity to leave his own legacy in Tucson.

Change is inevitable—but for Arizona basketball, change doesn’t mean uncertainty. It means growth, evolution, and the continued pursuit of greatness.