Arizona Football hires Paul Rhoads as their new Defensive Coordinator

Finally! Weeks after firing previous defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, the Arizona Football team has their new defensive coordinator in Paul Rhoads!

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Arizona Football team, and after letting Marcel Yates go nearly two months ago, the Wildcats have hired Paul Rhoads as his replacement!

For any Arizona Football fan seeking good news, finally there is some to be had here, with the recent hiring of Rhoads. Why? Because even though he isn’t a house hold name, Paul is a good coach and seemingly solid recruiting

Arizona Wildcats

Just looking at a few things, he certainly seems to check all the boxes if you’re Arizona!

For one; he has experience, as Coach Rhoads has about 30 years of experience in coaching at the collegiate level, making numerous stops across the country, even serving as defensive coordinator at Auburn and Arkansas previously among other places, as was even the head coach at Iowa State from 2009-15.

Another thing to like about Rhoads is that he has west coast ties (important for recruiting), as he’s spent the past two seasons at UCLA as the defensive backs coach. Also, Rhoads re-unites with Kevin Sumlin, who he has known for some time now.

While the hire certainly isn’t a sexy one, I think when you look at this much deeper, it is a hire that looks to be a pretty good one.

But also, let’s face it. Arizona isn’t exactly a destination program, and certainly isn’t even in the top of the Pac-12 currently or perhaps even all-time, so attracting a big name was going to lend its challenges. Additionally, Sumlin is on the hot seat to the say least, so it was going to be a tough sell getting someone to commit to the opportunity with that persistent fear being a possibility.

Paul’s background speaks for itself. He has put together some solid groups at Iowa State, Auburn and Arkansas, and his experience should prove to be beneficial. Hopefully, he just brings back that toughness to an Arizona defense in dire need of it!

Listen to coach speak at his press conference from earlier today!

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited about the hiring of Paul, and are cautiously optimistic about what he can bring to the table! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!