Spring practice officially starts a week from Tuesday, and the Wildcats have filled their coaching vacancies in just the nick of time. On Tuesday, Arizona officially announced the hiring of special teams coordinator Craig Naivar and linebackers coach Josh Bringuel.
Both coaches are taking over roles held last season by newly promoted defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales. Bringuel’s position opened followed the departure of Duane Akina, who left to coach Texas’ secondary. Along with the hiring of Bringuel, Brett Arce will now coach safeties after leading the ‘STAR’ position last season, while Chip Viney will remain the cornerbacks coach.
Naivar brings over 30 years of Division I experience with him to Tucson, mostly recently at Coastal Carolina, where he was a Broyles Award nominee in 2023. Bringuel spent the past two seasons at Nebraska, and was set to spend the upcoming season at Florida State before accepting the role with Arizona.
Craig Naivar and Josh Bringuel are two of five new members of the Arizona Wildcats’ staff this offseason. They join offensive coordinator Seth Doege, tight ends coach Josh Miller, and defensive line coach Joe Salave’a.
Arizona begins spring practice on Tuesday, March 18, and will have 15 practices through April 19. Practices on March 22, March 29, April 5, and April 12, as well as the Spring Showcase on April 19, will be open to the public. All open practices begin at 11 AM MST, except for the practice on April 5, which will start at 7 PM MST.