Finally days after searching for the replacement to former offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, the Wildcats have their man in Kyle DeVan.
Always a part of any college football program, teams go through staffing changes often. While the University of Arizona has certainly been no stranger to this, the next man to join the staff is Kyle DeVan, who will replace the recently departed Joe Gilbert.
If you recall, the Wildcats lost coach Gilbert to the NFL a few weeks ago, after spending just one season in Tucson. This also on the heels of losing former running back coach Clarence McKinney, as he left to become the head coach at Texas Southern.
Arizona Wildcats
Now losing one assistant isn’t too big of a deal, but losing two top assistants certainly provides a lot of challenges. That gave coach Kevin Sumlin and Arizona a tough task this off-season.
So far, the school made a big splash in hiring former NFL running back DeMarco Murray just weeks ago.
Now after a bit of waiting to replace coach Gilbert, finally the Cats have their man! On Friday, it was announced that coach DeVan would become Arizona’s new offensive line coach.
Interestingly enough, he was a name we suggested that should be considered to replace coach Gilbert.
To review, here’s why I think this is a good fit.
For one; he has great experience as a collegiate and professional athlete. DeVan was a former star in the Pac-10/12, having played with Oregon State from 2003-07.
During that time, he became a standout lineman for the Beavers, being named a two-time honorable mention, a second-team all-conference player, and a three-time bowl champion while starting in 38 games.
Following his illustrious collegiate career, DeVan would play in the NFL for six seasons, with his highlight being a starter at guard in Super Bowl XLIV for the Indianapolis Colts.
Since then, he’s joined the world of coaching, and has been steadily climbing the ranks. And this brings me to my second point, DeVan has become a bit of a name in coaching with some great experience, and it should be no surprise to see his name pop-up.
He first started at Oregon State in 2013, before heading to USC the following year as a graduate assistant as well. DeVan then made the jump to the NFL, serving as an assistant offensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints.
After a brief stint in the Bayou, DeVan made one more transition, this time becoming the offensive line coach and the eventual assistant head coach at Ball State. During his time in Muncie, IN, he’s put together some solid groups along the offensive line.
In 2016, Ball State averaged 220 rushing yards per game, ranking 30th overall in the NCAA that year. However, in 2017, they did take a small step back in averaging just 158 yards per game. They backed-up that respectable performance this past year, by averaging 155.7 yards per game.
In Tucson, he will have a solid group to work with, but will undoubtedly have some big shoes to fill!
At Zona Zealots, we are confident in Kyle and are excited to bring him to Tucson! We know he will do great things! Bear Down, Arizona!