Report: Arizona Football to Hire Craig Naivar as New Special Teams Coordinator
In a significant move aimed at strengthening their special teams unit, the University of Arizona football program is reportedly set to hire Craig Naivar as their new special teams coordinator. Naivar, known for his extensive coaching experience and ability to develop successful special teams units, is expected to bring a much-needed boost to an important aspect of the Wildcats’ game heading into the 2025 season.
This hire comes as part of Arizona’s broader efforts to improve every facet of its football program under head coach Jedd Fisch. Special teams play is often overlooked but can be the difference-maker in close games, and Naivar’s addition demonstrates the Wildcats’ commitment to elevating this critical phase of their game.
Who is Craig Naivar?
Craig Naivar is a highly respected special teams coach with a proven track record across various college programs. With years of experience in the role, Naivar has worked with multiple teams and has earned a reputation for his ability to develop effective and disciplined special teams units.
Naivar’s coaching career includes time at major programs such as the University of Houston, Texas Tech, and others, where he has had a hand in developing both kicking specialists and return units. He is particularly known for his work with punters and kickers, as well as his ability to teach the fundamentals of special teams, like coverage and blocking. His success in these areas has earned him widespread respect across college football, making him a prime candidate to step in and revamp Arizona’s special teams.
Why Craig Naivar is a Key Hire for Arizona
Special teams often do not get as much attention as offense or defense, but they are crucial to a team’s overall success. Whether it’s controlling field position, scoring on returns, or converting key kicks, special teams have the ability to change the momentum of a game and help a team win close contests. Arizona’s special teams play in recent seasons has been inconsistent, and Naivar’s experience should help bring more stability and effectiveness to this unit.
Several reasons make Naivar an ideal choice for Arizona:
1. Proven Track Record of Success
Naivar has coached special teams at several notable programs, and his work at Texas Tech and Houston is a testament to his ability to improve units. At Texas Tech, for example, Naivar helped solidify the team’s special teams coverage and made key adjustments that allowed them to maximize their strengths on special teams. His expertise is recognized across college football, and his ability to make immediate improvements in special teams units will be invaluable for Arizona.
2. Focus on Fundamentals and Discipline
Naivar’s coaching style revolves around discipline and fundamental execution. Special teams can often be the source of mistakes—missed field goals, failed punt returns, penalties—but Naivar emphasizes the importance of consistency and attention to detail. Arizona fans can expect a shift toward more disciplined, error-free special teams play under his leadership. By teaching the fundamentals and ensuring players are prepared for every aspect of the game, Naivar can help minimize mistakes and maximize opportunities for success.
3. Experience with Developing Kickers and Punters
One of the most crucial parts of special teams is the kicking game, and Arizona has struggled with consistency in this area. Naivar has a strong background in working with kickers and punters, and his coaching can help Arizona improve its field goal percentage, punt distance, and overall consistency in the kicking game. Whether it’s refining technique, helping players manage pressure, or creating competition in practice, Naivar’s presence will improve Arizona’s kicking game significantly.
4. Return Game Excellence
Special teams also encompass the return game, where Naivar’s expertise will be a significant asset. Arizona has had its ups and downs in this area, and with Naivar’s guidance, the Wildcats can expect improvements in both kickoff and punt returns. His ability to coach up returners to make quick decisions, gain positive yardage, and avoid costly mistakes will be a key factor in improving Arizona’s field position and creating more opportunities for the offense.
Arizona’s Special Teams Struggles and the Need for Change
Arizona’s special teams have often been a source of frustration in recent years. While the Wildcats have had success in other areas of the game, special teams have seen inconsistent play, which has at times put them at a disadvantage. Whether it’s missed kicks, poor returns, or breakdowns in coverage, Arizona’s special teams have not been up to the standard needed to compete in the Pac-12.
The lack of a consistently reliable special teams unit has hurt the Wildcats in close games, especially when the offense or defense couldn’t quite close out a game. The hiring of Naivar signals a clear commitment by head coach Jedd Fisch and the Wildcats’ coaching staff to address this need and elevate the overall team performance. By strengthening special teams, Arizona can gain an edge over their opponents, particularly in tightly contested games where special teams can swing the momentum.
The Arizona Football Program’s Commitment to Improvement
Head coach Jedd Fisch has shown his commitment to improving all areas of the Arizona football program. Since taking the reins in 2021, Fisch has worked hard to bring a sense of stability and long-term success to the Wildcats. The hire of Naivar as special teams coordinator is part of a larger plan to build a well-rounded team that excels in every phase of the game.
Fisch’s belief in the importance of special teams is evident, and his desire to bring in a coach with proven success in this area shows his commitment to elevating the program. Under Fisch’s leadership, Arizona has made progress on both sides of the ball, and now special teams will get the attention they deserve. With Naivar’s expertise, Arizona’s special teams unit will become a strength of the team rather than a potential weakness.
What Naivar’s Hire Means for Arizona Football
With Naivar on board, Arizona football will likely see improvements across the board in its special teams play. There are several areas where Naivar’s influence will be immediately felt:
1. Improved Kicking and Punting Game
The kicking game has been a problem for Arizona in recent seasons, with missed field goals and inconsistent punting. Naivar will likely work closely with the Wildcats’ kickers and punters, refining their technique, ensuring they remain consistent under pressure, and working on the mental aspects of the kicking game.
2. Better Coverage and Blocking Units
Special teams are as much about coverage and blocking as they are about executing kicks. Naivar’s focus on fundamentals will help Arizona develop more reliable coverage units, ensuring that the Wildcats can limit return yardage and make key tackles when needed. Likewise, improving the blocking on returns and kicks will give Arizona’s returners a better chance to make big plays.
3. More Dangerous Return Game
With Naivar’s emphasis on special teams fundamentals, the Wildcats will likely become more dangerous on both punt and kickoff returns. Naivar will work to ensure that Arizona is more effective in the return game, gaining valuable field position and making critical plays when the ball is in the hands of their returners.
4. A More Disciplined Special Teams Unit
Naivar’s coaching style, which emphasizes discipline and attention to detail, will help cut down on penalties and mistakes that have plagued Arizona in past seasons. With more reliable execution, Arizona’s special teams can become a consistent, dependable asset rather than a liability.
A Positive Step for Arizona Football
The reported hire of Craig Naivar as Arizona football’s special teams coordinator is a significant move that should have a lasting impact on the team. With his vast experience, proven success, and emphasis on the fundamentals of special teams play, Naivar is well-equipped to elevate this important unit for the Wildcats.
Under head coach Jedd Fisch, Arizona football is focused on building a complete team, and Naivar’s hiring demonstrates the commitment to improving every phase of the game. Special teams will no longer be an afterthought but a crucial part of the Wildcats’ success moving forward. With Naivar’s guidance, Arizona can expect more consistent, disciplined, and explosive special teams play, which could help propel the team to greater heights in the Pac-12 and beyond.