Amidst a flurry of coaching changes, the Arizona Wildcats’ football program has undergone significant shifts while maintaining some key personnel. Head coach Brent Brennan has strategically shaped his coaching staff with a talented group of individuals to steer the future of Arizona football.
Departing for the University of Washington, former head coach Jedd Fisch took with him a few players and most of the offensive coaching staff, with their departure creating an opportunity for a fresh start under new leadership.
With numerous positions having opened up, Brennan turned to coaches from San Jose State University, his former coaching ground, to fill spots at Arizona.
Alonzo Carter – Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs
Brennan announced the addition of Alonzo Carter as his assistant head coach and running backs coach. Carter had previously worked seven seasons with San Jose State. Under Carter’s leadership in 2023, running back Kairee Robinson rushed a career-high 1,194 yards, finishing second in the Mountain West. Robinson also led the conference with a career-high 18 rushing touchdowns.
Josh Oglesby – Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator
Josh Oglesby is the second member of coach Brennan’s staff at Arizona. Under his leadership, the Spartans led the Mountain West Conference in 2023, boasting an average of 5.58 yards per rushing attempt.
Matt Adkins – Tight Ends Coach/Passing Game Coordinator
Brennan also added Matt Adkins to his staff, who joined San Jose State in 2017 as a graduate assistant and was promoted to full-time assistant as the program’s tight ends coach. The tight ends at San Jose State did well under Adkins’ coaching, with standouts earning All-Mountain West Honorable Mention selections.
Bobby Wade – Wide Receivers Coach
Next, Brennan brought on former Wildcats wide receiver Bobby Wade as the wide receivers coach. Wade, honored in the Arizona Football Ring of Honor in 2015, brings a wealth of experience from his seven-year NFL career.
Joe Seumalo – Defensive Line Coach
Prior to joining the Wildcats, Joe Seumalo worked as the defensive line coach with the San Jose State Spartans beginning in 2017. His coaching expertise contributed to the success of Spartans players, including Viliami Fehoko, who earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
Brett Arce – Stars Coach
Arizona promoted defensive analyst Brett Arce to the role of stars coach. Arce played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ defensive improvements, particularly in the secondary, which was an important facet in the Wildcats victory in the Valero Alamo Bowl over the University of Oklahoma.
Lyle Moevao – Analyst
Brennan announced Lyle Moevao will serve as Arizona’s analyst. Moevao served as an offensive analyst under Brennan at San Jose State, contributing to the Spartans’ prolific offense during the 2023 season.
Ben Thienes – Chief of Staff
Ben Thienes joined the Wildcats following seven seasons at San Jose State, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as assistant athletics director of football operations. Thienes received the 2022 Football Scoop Operations Director of the Year Award, highlighting his contributions to the Spartans’ success.
James Perez – Assistant Director of Football Strength and Conditioning
James Perez joined the Wildcats after one season at San Jose State in 2023, bringing expertise from his tenure at Stanford University and Fresno State University. His role as assistant director of football sports performance will be instrumental in dictating how the Wildcats perform in this upcoming season, with him being in charge of player development and conditioning.
Duane Akina – Defensive Coordinator
Returning to Arizona, Duane Akina was promoted to defensive coordinator by Brennan. Akina boasts over 43 years of coaching experience in college and professional football. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will continue to move the Wildcats’ defensive strategies in the right direction as they enter a new conference this upcoming season.
Danny Gonzales – Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach
2024 will be Danny Gonzales’ first season as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. He joined the Wildcats after serving the last four seasons as the head coach of the University of New Mexico. Gonzales has 151 career wins as a coach since entering the starting as a graduate assistant with New Mexico in 1999. His experience and success in leading defensive units make him a valuable addition to Arizona’s coaching staff.
As the Wildcats prepare for their first season in the Big 12 Conference, the blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents under Brennan’s leadership sets the stage for the next chapter in Arizona football.
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