Arizona Wildcats to Hire Craig Naivar as Special Teams Coordinator
The Arizona Wildcats football program is making a significant move in its coaching staff by hiring Craig Naivar as the team’s new special teams coordinator. This announcement comes as the Wildcats look to bolster their special teams unit and build a stronger foundation for the 2025 season. Naivar, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, is expected to make an immediate impact on a critical aspect of the team’s game.
Who is Craig Naivar?
Craig Naivar is a seasoned football coach with extensive experience at the collegiate and professional levels. He has built a solid reputation as a special teams coach, having worked with multiple programs across the country and having made a mark in developing both punters and kickers, as well as working with other areas of special teams. Known for his keen eye for detail and his ability to get the most out of his players, Naivar’s coaching style is marked by his discipline and passion for special teams play.
Naivar has had previous stints at various prestigious programs in the NCAA, most recently working as a special teams coordinator at Texas Tech University, where he significantly improved the program’s special teams units. Over the years, Naivar has gained a reputation for his ability to develop players who perform in high-pressure moments, something that is essential for special teams success. His previous roles have also seen him mentor young talent, helping players with NFL aspirations refine their skills, especially in the kicking game.
His coaching history also includes time at schools like Houston, where he contributed to the team’s rise to prominence under then-head coach Tom Herman. Naivar’s coaching journey has provided him with the tools and knowledge to make an immediate difference for any team he joins, and Arizona believes he is the right fit to help elevate the Wildcats’ special teams performance.
Why Craig Naivar Is a Smart Hire for Arizona
Special teams often get overlooked in the broader context of football, but they can make all the difference in a game. The importance of field position, timely kicks, and successful returns cannot be overstated, and having a strong special teams coordinator can be a key differentiator for a team looking to compete at a high level.
For Arizona, Naivar’s hiring brings much-needed expertise and leadership to a unit that has had its ups and downs in recent seasons. While the Wildcats have shown flashes of promise in various aspects of the game, special teams has been a weak spot at times, affecting their ability to close out games, gain favorable field position, and capitalize on turnovers.
With Naivar now in charge, the Wildcats are looking to strengthen their special teams across several areas:
1. Improving Kicking Game Consistency
A significant part of special teams play is the kicking game, where accuracy and consistency are critical. Naivar has extensive experience working with kickers and punters, something Arizona has struggled with in recent years. His knowledge of technique and his ability to help players perform under pressure will be key in stabilizing the Wildcats’ kicking game. Whether it’s field goals, extra points, or punting, Naivar’s expertise should improve Arizona’s overall kicking unit and make them more reliable in key moments.
2. Enhancing Return Game
Another area Naivar can have an immediate impact is in the return game. Arizona has had some inconsistency in terms of its ability to break big returns or even simply execute a clean return without mistakes. Naivar’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of both technique and mindset in the return game. By improving Arizona’s ability to generate yardage on returns, the Wildcats will have better field position and more opportunities to score.
3. Focus on Discipline and Fundamentals
Naivar is known for emphasizing the importance of discipline and attention to detail. In special teams, these qualities can make the difference between a successful play and a missed opportunity. His approach to coaching focuses on creating a strong foundation of fundamentals that players can rely on, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help the Wildcats avoid penalties, missed tackles, and other common special teams mistakes that can derail a team’s momentum.
4. Developing Young Talent
With Arizona’s roster consisting of several young players, especially in the special teams unit, Naivar’s ability to develop talent will be crucial. His experience working with up-and-coming players has allowed him to cultivate new talent and prepare them for higher levels of competition. The Wildcats are hoping that Naivar can turn their young special teams players into key contributors who are ready to perform when called upon.
Arizona’s Special Teams Struggles: A Need for Change
Over the past several seasons, Arizona’s special teams play has been inconsistent, affecting the overall performance of the team. Special teams struggles have been a common theme, whether it’s missed field goals, poor punting, or failures in coverage and returns. The Wildcats have had their fair share of tough losses in which special teams play, or the lack thereof, ultimately swung the game in their opponent’s favor.
Head coach Jedd Fisch is committed to building a team that competes at a high level in every phase of the game. By bringing in Naivar, Fisch is showing that he understands the importance of special teams in creating a balanced, successful program. Special teams can often be the difference-maker in close games, and it is clear that Arizona recognizes the need to strengthen this area to compete in the Pac-12 and beyond.
With the Wildcats in need of a boost in special teams, Naivar’s track record of success makes him a logical and strategic hire. His expertise in all aspects of special teams play will give Arizona the chance to elevate this often-overlooked part of their game and set the stage for improved performance in future seasons.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
With Naivar now officially on board as the special teams coordinator, the Arizona Wildcats can look forward to a more competitive and disciplined special teams unit. His leadership and coaching style will help instill a sense of confidence and competence among the players, who will know they can rely on their special teams to perform when it matters most.
Expect a focus on high-level execution and consistency. Naivar’s ability to develop relationships with kickers, punters, and return specialists should allow the Wildcats to capitalize on their full potential. His emphasis on detail and discipline will also work to eliminate mistakes that have plagued Arizona’s special teams in the past, giving the Wildcats a much-needed edge in tight games.
Beyond just the tactical aspects of coaching, Naivar’s arrival also signals a shift in the Wildcats’ culture. Special teams have often been an afterthought for many programs, but Arizona is clearly prioritizing this phase of the game moving forward. The Wildcats’ commitment to improving in all areas, from offense to defense to special teams, will make them a more complete team, setting them up for future success in the competitive Pac-12 Conference.