Kish kept his fun attitude going at his Monday presser as he prefaced his opening statement by saying, “I picked an outfit for every one of you for Halloween. I have some suggestions for you.”

Kish pegged Arizona Daily Star reporter Ryan Finley as either an eagle scout or a “cowardly lion.” Kish rounded out his costume suggestions with an idea for longtime Daily Star columnist Greg Hansen.

“If he’s not Tim the Toolman Taylor, I don’t know who is,” Kish said. “Huh? Think about it.”

Kish said defensive line coach Joe Salave’a will be the Mad Hatter while Kish has been Jerry Lewis over the years.

“I opened up Pandora’s Box, didn’t I?” he said with a laugh.

Wild ride for coach

After the Wildcats defeated UCLA in Kish’s head coaching debut, he wouldn’t detract from the players’ effort by talking about himself. But after two games, he’s finally opened up about his experience.

“It’s been a wild ride,” said the 57-year-old interim coach. “It’s been a good journey. I absolutely love being in front of these kids. They’re so positive, the seniors have been absolutely tremendous.”

— Mike Schmitz