4 ideal head coaching candidates for Arizona football

Arizona football needs a new head coach after Jedd Fisch went to Washington and here are four ideal candidates for the Wildcats.
Dec 2, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Barry Odom watches from the sidelines
Dec 2, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Barry Odom watches from the sidelines / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Following a 10-3 season and a No. 11 ranking in the final AP poll, the Arizona football program is searching for a new head coach after Jedd Fisch left the program for Washington.

It was a tough blow for the Wildcats and their fans. Fisch felt like a rising star. The Wildcats had just defeated Oklahoma and felt like one of the preseason favorites going into the Big 12 next season.

That could still be true. But when a head coach leaves, he can often take players and assistants with him. The timing isn't exactly great either. Arizona football players will have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal. Keeping as many as possible will be key for the new head coach especially when it comes to players like quarterback Noah Fifita.

You'd think Arizona football would look to act quickly and here are three head coaches that would make a ton of sense for the Wildcats.

Barry Odom, UNLV

Odom has spent just one season at UNLV but he got the Rebels to the Mountain West Championship Game. He's also a 34-30 career record after a 25-25 mark at Arkansas. Odom has experience as a coach and assistant in the SEC. He's known as a solid recuiter and that's one thing that Arizona football has going for it.

Arizona isn't in one of the power conferences in college football but you would have to think that Odom would jump at the chance to leave for the Big-12. There's a much easier path to the playoff and in that league, Arizona will be well positioned.

Odom seems like a better head coach the second time around and this seems like a good fit for both sides.