Arizona Football Announces Changes to Coaching Staff

TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona Football head coach Brent Brennan announced changes to the coaching staff on Thursday. Offensive coordinator Dino Babers will not return next season and defensive coordinator Duane Akina will remain on staff as an assistant coach and lead the secondary. Special teams' coordinator/linebackers coach Danny Gonzales will also remain with the program, but in a role to be determined.

"This season did not come close to meeting the standards that we have as a program and no one is more disappointed than me," Brennan said. "As the head coach, it is my responsibility to evaluate all areas of the program, and I felt these changes will positively impact the long-term success of the program. I want to thank Dino for his hard work dedication to the University of Arizona, our program, and our student-athletes."

Akina has more than 43 years of coaching experience at the college and professional level and has mentored three Thorpe Award winners, six finalists and 41 defensive backs that have played in the NFL.

Gonzales brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to the staff, including four seasons as the head coach at New Mexico, and stints as the defensive coordinator at San Diego State and Arizona State. In 2018, while at San Diego State, he was a nominee for the Broyles Award.

Print Friendly Version