UPDATED 1/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET: Okay, now it’s official.
Arizona’s website has announced the hiring of Jeff Casteel as the new defensive coordinator, David Lockwood as defensive backs coach, Bill Kirelawich as defensive line coach and Spencer Leftwich as tight ends coach.
Leftwich comes to Arizona after coaching the offensive line at Pitt.
“I have enjoyed my time at West Virginia University, and it’s been 11 great years,” Casteel said. “I have coached some outstanding young men, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication. I want to thank the coaches and staff members I have been associated with during my time at WVU for their work and support. The fans also have been great, and I want to thank them as well.”
“I want to thank our three departing defensive coaches for their more than 50 years of service to West Virginia University,” WVU athletic director Oliver Luck added. “They have been a part of much success and have left a lasting impact on our program and our student-athletes. Our football program will now move forward to fill our vacancies, and I am confident that Dana Holgorsen will bring in talented coaches that our players will continue to thrive under.”
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With the exception of an announcement from the school -- which should be coming tomorrow, by the way -- Jeff Casteel‘s move from West Virginia to Arizona has been made about as official as it can be.
The defensive coordinator of the Mountaineers for the last nine seasons, Casteel has now been listed in the same position on Arizona’s official website.
Rumored to be moving on from the Mountaineers for the past month or so when former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez took over the Wildcats, the Casteel-to-Arizona whispers took off in the past week after West Virginia dismantled Clemson 70-33 in the Orange Bowl.
Although not official, it’s been reported that Casteel will take WVU cornerbacks coach Dave Lockwood and defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich with him to Tucson.