Arizona head coach Mike Stoops announced Thursday that Joe Salave’a would be the Wildcat’s new defensive line coach, replacing Mike Tuiasosopo who left Arizona after the regular season ended.

Stoops still has to replaced secondary coach Greg Brown who also left with Tuiasosopo for expected positions at new Pacific 12 Conference rivals Colorado.

While Stoops said hiring wouldn’t be complete until January, Salave’s will start Monday in preparation for Arizona’s appearance at the Valero Alamo Bowl.

Previously, Salave’a spent 2008-09 coaching for former Arizona coach Dick Tomey at San Jose State, after a nine-year career in the NFL. His professional career spanned more than 100 games and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.

“”I’m really excited to have him join the staff,”” Stoops said in a press release. “”He fits what we’re doing very well. He has a solid history and comes highly recommended.””

Stoops kept the hiring in the Arizona family.

Salave’a played defensive tackle at Arizona from 1994-1997 and was named team captain in 1996. He also garnered three All-Pac-10 awards as a Wildcat, including a first-team selection in 1997.

He still ranks in the top-10 on UA’s career sacks chart, due to his performance in 1996-97 in which he lead the team in sacks.

“”I’m humbled but also excited,”” Salave’a said in a press release. “”I’m eager to get there, roll up my sleeves and get to work. You go to a program like the University of Arizona, play some ball and get a degree… and now I have a chance to pay it forward.

“”It’s a great opportunity and I’m thrilled that Coach Stoops has the confidence in me to make this happen,”” Salave’a said.