Bear Down Wildcats

Nansen enters his second year as Arizona's defensive coordinator. Last year was his first year ever as a DC and now he needs to make the sophomore leap and prove he is a D1 level coordinator. All I'm asking for is an average defense that plays with fire and is in the right positions. The talent may be young, but it looks upgraded and the S&C coaches have certainly done there job to add size, muscle, and speed. Nansen is a proven recruiter, this year I want to see him prove himself as a defensive coordinator.

Here is Nansen from the 2nd day of spring practice:

Totally deserves to be included with what he has done with that defense.

I hope he stays. If he does go, a few of our defensive players could follow him. Just what we don't need when we're on the cusp.

Doesn't sound too serious at the moment, thankfully.

Probably not, but it is Texas. Duane Akina left the UA as DC to be DB coach there.

So if Nansen leaves, we promote Akina to DC?

Well that escalated quickly. Ugh.

Akina should get a lot of consideration. The defense improved a lot once he got here. I am not saying he was the main reason, but it's not a coincidence that the defense was better in 2023 when he was here compared to 2022 when he wasn't here.

I trust CJF to re-load and get maybe an even better coach.

He’s got a resume of success to work with.

Irish27 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 12:41 pm Akina should get a lot of consideration. The defense improved a lot once he got here. I am not saying he was the main reason, but it's not a coincidence that the defense was better in 2023 when he was here compared to 2022 when he wasn't here.

Akina has coached in Texas before, hopefully he isn't offered too. Maybe if he is offered the DC job he won't be tempted to follow Johnny to UT

Akina is 67. He was DC at Arizona over 20 years ago. I'm not sure at this point in his life he wants to take that on.

Didn't he block kicks for Tomey and walked on the basketball team for Lute?

Not sure moving a position coach up to DC will work, can the UA get hit by lightning twice?

I'm holding some slim hope Nansen doesn't leave but if he does I think some people are giving Akina way to much credit. His fame and renown comes from coaching defensive backs. His stints at DC have all been short. He had nothing to do with Desert Storm, he was coaching on the offensive side of the ball back then. Like Merkin says, he's 67 years old. Let's go for someone younger with a ton of energy. I'm betting Coach Fisch has some people on his short list. He's done a pretty fair job of picking coaches so far.

tgrumpy2 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:44 pm I'm holding some slim hope Nansen doesn't leave

He's already been announced at Texas.

What matters most is keeping current players. Other than that Nansen is replaceable.
He was about to make a cool mil at AZ. I'm sure who ever is next would love to have that payday.

How much does Joe Salave'a make at Miami?

Private school so not disclosed.

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:45 pm

tgrumpy2 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:44 pm I'm holding some slim hope Nansen doesn't leave

He's already been announced at Texas.

Yes I know and I can still hold out some silly hope it doesn't happen.