:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48550393/GettyImages-460935932.0.jpg)
In 2016, the Arizona Wildcats will have an entirely new defensive coaching staff. Jeff Casteel, David Lockwood and Bill Kirelawich had already been let go earlier this offseason, and now safeties coach Matt Caponi is leaving Arizona.
Caponi is leaving Arizona for West Virginia to join Mountaineer defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. Gibson was the safeties coach at Arizona in 2012, and Caponi is the one who replaced him.
— Matthew Caponi (@coach_horsepwr) January 12, 2016
Rich Rodriguez has only filled one of these open positions to this point, promoting Jahmile Addae to corners coach when Lockwood was dismissed. This leaves three open defensive staff positions as the recruiting live period resumes on Thursday.
Rodriguez reportedly interviewed several candidates for the defensive coordinator job this past weekend, but there is currently no indication which way he is leaning. With this latest departure, whoever does come in has the capability to essentially hire his own staff. That should make the job pretty alluring for those who are in the picture.