Arizona football returns all three coordinators for 2026, betting on continuity over reinvention

Arizona football will bring back all three coordinators for the 2026 season after improving from 4-8 to 9-4 last year. Offensive coordinator Seth Doege, defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales and special teams coordinator Craig Naivar will each return for a second season under coach Brent Brennan.

Brennan said keeping the staff together could help Arizona continue developing its players and retain more of its roster. The Wildcats are counting on that stability instead of making major changes after last season’s success.

The continuity could be especially important for quarterback Noah Fifita, who will play a second season in the same offensive system with Doege. Fifita said his comfort with the scheme and his relationships with teammates have grown since January.

Arizona’s defense also made major strides in Gonzales’ first season as coordinator. The Wildcats ranked among the nation’s top 10 in pass defense, led the country in turnover margin and recorded 22 interceptions, the program’s highest total in 40 years. Despite losing several defensive backs to the NFL, Arizona believes Gonzales’ return will help preserve the unit’s standards.