Hot Take: It’s okay if Arizona Football doesn’t hire an alumnus

With the Arizona Football team squarely in the middle of yet another coaching search, the Wildcats are going to have to find the right fit this time around.

If you read the title and don’t agree with what I just said, then please advise into not reading this article regarding Arizona Football, because you probably will not like my opinion.

Nearly three years ago, we went through another coaching search, and initially, I will say I was on-board with the Kevin Sumlin hire.

Arizona Wildcats

On paper, it looked like a solid hire. Given the high demands and expectations at Texas A&M, if you can find moderate success while playing the likes of Alabama, LSU, Georgia, etc. every week, surely you can find success at Arizona. Alas, I was wrong, greatly.

With just a few days into the coaching search, and we have seen numerous names, as well as several fans (including us) giving their best, educated guess as to who the next head coach will be or should be. The common them in all of this, no re-treads and ideally someone that’s an alumnus of the University of Arizona.

Certainly great in theory and a nice thought, but after going 9-20 the last three years, I don’t think Arizona can afford another coaching mistake.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the premise here. Bring in someone who understands the unique and innate qualities and quirkiness that is Arizona Football. Someone that has come from Arizona is going to understand that better than some outside hire who may view this as a stepping stone, or worse, a fallback option.

I say, why limit ourselves? Shouldn’t we want the best coach possible? No offensive to Tedy Bruschi, Ricky Hunley, or insert any other former Wildcat great. None of those guys have head coaching experience, and just because they were part of the mystique and lore that is Arizona Football, doesn’t mean they will be a good head coach.

That is my issue with some opinions of the head coaching search, we’re investing too much personal interest which ultimately clouds judgment in my opinion.

Besides, we all saw how sour things turned with Sumlin. If we were to hire a former Wildcat as head coach, and they hypothetically start struggling, or things turn sideways, two things could happen as a result.

One, the fans could sour on that person quickly and the relationship becomes fractured between Arizona and the head coach, or two, fans enamored with that person could cloud their ability to fairly critique that person if they were to not be a good coach.

I know that may sound confusing, but hopefully, you get the overall point. If you hire an alumnus, and they struggle, it seems like they would be in a no-win situation.

Arizona has a tough challenge ahead, and whoever takes over this program has a lot of work cut out for them. It is not going to be a win right away situation, and in all likelihood, this could very well be a 3-4 year build.

At Zona Zealots, we’re hoping this program can make the right hire and finally start to turn this thing around. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!