A week shy of starting spring practice, Arizona finally has a complete coaching staff to run those practices.
The Wildcats have announced the hiring of Craig Naivar as special teams coordinator and Josh Bringuel to coach linebackers.
Help us Welcome Craig Naivar and Josh Bringuel to the 520 pic.twitter.com/BtTVTwi903
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) March 11, 2025
Both coaches in effect replace the roles held last season by Danny Gonzales, who is defensive coordinator in 2025, but Bringuel’s position became open after defensive backs coach Duane Akina left to coach Texas’ secondary. Chip Viney will remain the cornerbacks coach while Brett Arce will coach safeties after being in charge of the ‘STAR’ position last season.
Naivar comes to Tucson with more than 30 years of Division I coaching experience, most recently at Coastal Carolina. Bringuel was at Nebraska last season and had joined the coaching staff at Florida State before taking the UA job.
They are two of five new assistants on the UA staff for Brent Brennan’s second year in charge. Brennan previously hired Seth Doege as offensive coordinator, Josh Miller as tight ends coach and Joe Salave’a as defensive line coach.
Arizona begins spring practice Tuesday morning, working out three times a week for five weeks. All Saturday practices will be held inside Arizona Stadium and are open to the public including the Spring Showcase on April 19.