Arizona has decided to part ways with second-year defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei in part because of an altercation that took place on the sidelines Saturday night against Oregon. Kevin Sumlin continues to reshape his program on the defensive side of the ball and that will mean a major overhaul this offseason. Another part of the decision centers around recruiting. Uiagalelei has not been able to deliver as expected on the recruiting front and with the biggest defensive line target (Jason Harris) looking more and more like he will end up at another program the decision was made to cut ties with UA defensive line coach.
Current team analyst Greg Patrick is expected to be elevated and take over for Uiagalelei the remainder of the season.
Update: Kevin Sumlin has confirmed the news and made the decision official today. UA has released a statement saying Uiagalelei will not have his contract renewed after this season nor will he coach the remainder of the games this season. The official statement doesn't say fired, but that is what it is.
“I thank Iona for his service to UA and wish him well moving forward," Sumlin said in a statement released by the program. "This change is in the best interest of our football program at this time.”
Current team analyst Greg Patrick is expected to be elevated and take over for Uiagalelei the remainder of the season.
Update: Kevin Sumlin has confirmed the news and made the decision official today. UA has released a statement saying Uiagalelei will not have his contract renewed after this season nor will he coach the remainder of the games this season. The official statement doesn't say fired, but that is what it is.
“I thank Iona for his service to UA and wish him well moving forward," Sumlin said in a statement released by the program. "This change is in the best interest of our football program at this time.”
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