The University of Arizona Wildcats have promoted Danny Gonzales to Defensive Coordinator, a move announced by head coach Brent Brennan on January 9, 2025.
Gonzales, who joined Arizona’s coaching staff in 2024 as the Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Gonzales’s coaching career spans over two decades, beginning at his alma mater, the University of New Mexico, where he served in various capacities from 1999 to 2008. He then joined San Diego State University as Safeties Coach, later becoming Defensive Coordinator in 2017. Under his leadership, the Aztecs’ defense ranked 11th nationally, allowing just 303.5 yards per game.
In 2018, Gonzales took on the role of Defensive Coordinator at Arizona State University (ASU). His impact was immediate, with the Sun Devils’ defense allowing its fewest points in seven seasons and holding nine opponents under 30 points. His tenure at ASU was marked by the development of standout players, including linebacker Merlin Robertson, who was named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year under Gonzales’s guidance.
Gonzales returned to New Mexico as Head Coach from 2020 to 2023, leading the Lobos to back-to-back top-50 finishes in total defense for the first time since 2007-08. His tenure also saw the emergence of safety A.J. Haulcy, who earned Freshman All-American honors, becoming the first Lobo All-American since 2014.
Joining Gonzales on the Wildcats’ coaching staff is Joe Salave’a, appointed as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach. Salave’a, a former Arizona standout and nine-year NFL veteran, returns to Tucson after coaching stints at Miami, Oregon, and Washington State. Known for his dynamic recruiting and player development skills, Salave’a has coached multiple NFL Draft picks and All-Americans along the defensive line.
Head coach Brent Brennan expressed enthusiasm about the additions to his staff, stating, “Coach Gonzales has years of experience as a proven defensive play-caller with the ability to lead and develop defenses that rank among the best in the nation. And Coach Salave’a is a Wildcat at heart who has a winning pedigree and who has demonstrated the ability to identify and develop elite players along the defensive line.”
Gonzales’s promotion is expected to bolster the Wildcats’ defensive strategies, leveraging his extensive experience and successful track record. His familiarity with the Pac-12 conference and previous success at ASU suggest a promising enhancement to Arizona’s defensive unit.
Salave’a’s return to Arizona is also anticipated to strengthen the Wildcats’ defensive front. His history of developing elite defensive linemen, including NFL talents like Kayvon Thibodeaux, underscores his ability to elevate Arizona’s defensive line performance.
As the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season, the combined expertise of Gonzales and Salave’a is poised to make a significant impact. Their appointments reflect a strategic commitment to enhancing Arizona’s defensive capabilities, aiming to position the Wildcats as a formidable force in the conference.
The coaching changes come as part of Brennan’s efforts to revitalize the program, building on the team’s recent performances and aiming for higher achievements in the competitive landscape of college football. With Gonzales and Salave’a on board, the Wildcats are set to embark on a new chapter, with a reinforced focus on defensive excellence.
