Arizona is back in the coaching market as Jedd Fisch has left the Wildcats after three years to take the job at Washington. The Wildcats are the latest victim of the domino effect created by Nick Saban’s retirement; Fisch was hired to replace Kalen DeBoer, who left to replace the legend at Alabama. Now, Arizona has a chance to speed up the market once more.
Fisch was working as quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots prior to his hiring at Arizona, making him a surprising pick at the time. He quickly proved himself in three seasons, however. This past season, Fisch led the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and the best AP Top 25 finish since 1998. It was just the fourth 10-win season in school history.
Now, Arizona faces a crossroads. The Wildcats have finished below .500 in conference play in 20 of the past 25 seasons. Arizona is also moving to the Big 12, bringing further urgency to replicating recent success. The Wildcats were set to return 18 of 22 starters from the historic team, including quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Adding complication, the University of Arizona is facing an eye-popping $240 million budget shortfall after a slew of miscalculations by the school. In response, the university has issued a hiring freeze with restrictions on travel and purchasing. Unquestionably, the athletic department and a new football coaching staff will have flexibility to fill essential roles, but it’s unclear how it may affect the department heading forward.
Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke went off board by hiring NFL assistant Fisch in the last cycle. With that complicated backdrop, here are some of the top candidates for Arizona’s opening in 2024.
Arizona coaching candidates
Brent Brennan, San…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/arizona-coaching-candidates-brent-brennan-jason-candle-troy-calhoun-among-options-to-replace-jedd-fisch/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2024-01-15 16:37:17
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