The Arizona Wildcats’ defensive struggles in 2015 were severe enough for Rich Rodriguez to make major staff changes.
The UA coach announced today that defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jeff Casteel and defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich will not return.
Both coaches have longstanding professional relationships with Rodriguez. Casteel coached under Rodriguez at West Virginia from 2001-07, including five years as defensive coordinator. Kirelawich also was a member of Rodriguez’s staff from 2001-07, serving as defensive line coach the final five years.
Arizona’s defense has regressed over the past three seasons. The Wildcats ranked 62nd in the nation in 2013, 103rd in 2014 and 114th this past season in total defense. In terms of points allowed, the Wildcats have fallen from 39th to 78th to 107th.
People are also reading…
Parting ways with Casteel and Kirelawich means Arizona will have turned over three-fourths of its defensive staff. Rodriguez already had promoted Jahmile Addae to cornerbacks coach, releasing David Lockwood. Matt Caponi, who coaches safeties, is the only defensive coach who hasn’t been let go.
It remains to be seen how Rodriguez will reshape the defensive staff and whether he will stick with the 3-3-5 scheme.
Initial reaction to the moves from current and former players already has begun on social media:
Coach Casteel was the GOAT as a DC
— D' Legynd (@Urban_Legynd) January 4, 2016
We coming back to a whole new defensive coaching staff😳
— God's Gift (@_kid16_) January 4, 2016
Coach Casteel and Coach Kirlav were two good guys. They will be missed. Wish them the best with the rest of their coaching careers.
— Marcus Griffin 9⃣6⃣ (@TheRealMG96) January 4, 2016
UPDATE: Junior-college linebacker Kapri Doucet, who committed to Arizona last week, told the Star that he will re-open his recruitment and re-evaluate his options. Casteel was his primary recruiter and would have been his position coach.Â
We’ll have more on this developing story later today and in Tuesday’s print edition.
