Arizona DC Danny Gonzales striving to be in Tucson through 2032 season

Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales has signed an extension to remain with the Wildcats through the 2028 season. He and offensive coordinator Seth Doege are set to earn $1.1 million in 2026, $1.6 million in 2027 and $1.7 million in 2028.

Gonzales said he hopes to stay on coach Brent Brennan’s staff through at least 2032, when Arizona is scheduled to open the season at Alabama. He plans to reassess after his youngest daughter finishes high school and said he expects to stop coaching football in 2036.

The former New Mexico head coach said he prefers coordinating a defense to leading a team as head coach. He also said it would take an exceptional opportunity to pull him away from Arizona, where he wants to compete for College Football Playoff appearances and championships.

Gonzales is preparing for Arizona’s 2026 season, with training camp scheduled to begin Aug. 5. He said the Wildcats have already spent significant time preparing for BYU, which Arizona will face in Week 2, while also emphasizing that the team must stay focused on its opener against Northern Arizona. He expects competition and new faces in the secondary after three longtime defensive backs moved on.