University of Arizona Athletics

Veteran collegiate and NFL assistant coach Jim Michalczik is in his fifth season at Arizona. He joined head coach Rich Rodriguez’s staff on Jan. 15, 2013, as the Wildcats’ offensive line coach. He’s coached at three Pac-12 schools and in 13 bowl games.

Under Michalczik’s guidance, Arizona’s rushing attack has remained on of the most potent in the Pac-12 Conference. In 2016, the Wildcats led the conference with 235.0 rushing yards per game, highlighted by a school record 511 yards in a Territorial Cup victory over Arizona State. In that game, UA produced three 100-yard rushers for only the second time in program history.

Arizona’s offensive line proved more than reliable in 2015, while injuries to the quarterback and running back position would otherwise have created some uncertainty. But Michalczik’s unit replaced four-year starters at both tackle spots, plus a two-year starter at center without missing a beat. The Wildcats rolled up 222.3 yards per game on the ground, gained 272.6 through the air and averaged 37.4 points per game. 

In 2014, Arizona’s offensive line blocked for the Wildcats to average 463.6 yards of offense per game and 34.5 points per contest. Center Steven Gurrola earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors while Jacob Alsadek was a USA Today Freshman All-American. Running back Nick Wilson (1,375 yards) and quarterback Anu Solomon (3,793 yards) set school freshman records in their respective categories. Additionally, Solomon led FBS freshmen in total passing yards.

Under Michalczik’s guidance, the Wildcats’ offensive line blocked for Ka’Deem Carey’s 1,885 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2013. Additionally, B.J. Denker threw for 2,516 yards and 16 scores. Arizona’s offense averaged 33.5 points per game, totaled 311 first downs and averaged 458.5 yards of offense per game.

Michalczik came to Arizona after spending nine seasons over two stints on the California coaching staff from 2002-08 and 2011-12, serving his first seven campaigns with the Golden Bears as the offensive line coach and his final two as the team’s offensive coordinator, in addition to his offensive line duties. He was a member of the Oakland Raiders staff in 2009-10, serving as offensive line coach.

He has a combined 26 campaigns of experience in the collegiate and professional coaching ranks, including a total of eight winning seasons and seven bowl games with the Bears. The play of Cal’s offensive line under Michalczik’s direction from 2002-08 and again in 2011 and 2012 was a key factor to the Bears posting a 69-45 (.605) record during the nine-year period.

He played a key role in the Oakland turnaround in 2010, as the Raiders went undefeated in the AFC West. The Oakland offense ranked second in the NFL in rushing (155.9 ypg), sixth in scoring (25.6 ppg) and 10th in total offense (354.6 ypg). Tackle Jared Veldheer was chosen to several all-rookie teams.

Cal’s rushing attack that produced 1,000-yard rushers in eight of Michalczik’s nine seasons was a key factor in the success of the offense during his tenure. In 2004, J.J. Arrington set a single-season school record with 2,018 rushing yards and ranked second in the nation in rushing yards per game (168.17 ypg), with Michalczik’s offensive line clearing the way. Arrington was also the eighth-leading vote-getter in the Heisman Trophy race that year. The Bears were ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense in both 2004 (256.75 ypg, 6th) and 2005 (235.25 ypg, 9th), while leading the Pac-10 in both 2003 (168.29 ypg) and 2004.

Current NFL players Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz (Cleveland) and Brian De La Puente (Chicago) are among the 13 former offensive linemen that played for Michalczik to be signed by NFL teams. Others that spent time on NFL rosters include Justin Cheadle, Mike Gibson, Aaron Merz, Ryan O’Callaghan, Marvin Philip, Erik Robertson, Brian Schwenke, Mike Tepper, Scott Tercero and Mark Wilson.

Prior to joining Cal in 2002, he spent three seasons at Oregon State coaching the tight ends, while also serving as special teams coordinator and an assistant coach on the offensive line. The Beavers posted their first winning season in 29 years in his first campaign in Corvallis in 1999.

Michalczik was also the offensive line coach for seven seasons at Montana State from 1992-98 after beginning his coaching career with two campaigns (1990-91) as the defensive line coach at Miami (Fla.). The Hurricanes won the 1991 national title after posting an unbeaten 12-0 season. In 1990, Miami was ranked fourth nationally and finished with a 9-2 mark. Under Michalczik’s tutelage, Russell Maryland was the 1990 Outland Trophy winner and a first-round draft pick.

He is a 1988 graduate of Washington State, including an appearance in the 1988 Aloha Bowl as a member of the Cougars’ offensive line. He earned three letters as an offensive guard in Pullman, earning honorable mention All-Pac-10 and honorable mention All-America honors from The Sporting News as a senior. 

A native of Port Angeles, Wash., Michalczik and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Max and Chase.

Michalczik Coaching History

2013-	Arizona, offensive line
2011-12	California, offensive coordinator/offensive line
2009-10	Oakland Raiders, offensive line
2002-08	California, assistant head coach/offensive line
1999-2001	Oregon State, tight ends/special teams/offensive line
1992-98	Montana State, offensive line
1990-91	Miami, defensive line

Michalczik in the Bowls

2015	Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Arizona assistant
2014	VIZIO Fiesta Bowl, Arizona assistant
2013	AdvoCare V100 Bowl, Arizona assistant
2011	Holiday Bowl, California coordinator
2008	Emerald Bowl, California assistant
2007	Armed Forces Bowl, California assistant
2006	Holiday Bowl, California assistant
2005	Las Vegas Bowl, California assistant
2004	Holiday Bowl, California assistant
2003	Insight Bowl, California assistant
2000	Fiesta Bowl, Oregon State assistant
1999	Oahu Bowl, Oregon State assistant
1992	Orange Bowl, Miami assistant
1991	Cotton Bowl, Miami assistant
1988	Aloha Bowl, Washington State player

Jim Michalczik File
Pronunciation: muh-hall-CHECK
Hometown: Port Angeles, Wash.
High School: Port Angeles
College: Washington State, 1988
Playing Career: Washington State, 1984-88, offensive line
Family: Wife, Jennifer; Sons, Max and Chase
Recruiting Areas: Washington, Oregon, Northern California