Wildcats hire Eggen as D-line coach
Continuing an offseason theme, Kevin Sumlin again emphasized experience and pedigree with his latest coaching move.
The Arizona Wildcats on Monday hired Stan Eggen as their defensive line coach.
Eggen, 66, spent the past four seasons as the defensive line coach at New Mexico. He spent the previous two seasons in the same capacity at Iowa State, where he worked under Paul Rhoads, who last month was named Arizona’s defensive coordinator.
Eggen has been a college assistant for 40 years and has a strong reputation as a teacher. He has coached multiple players who went on to play in the NFL, including Michael Bennett, Von Miller, Red Bryant, Antwan Odom, Johnny Jolly and Aaron Schobel.
“We are excited Stan Eggen has joined the Arizona football family as defensive line coach,” Sumlin said in a statement. “Stan’s personal and professional values, fundamental approach to teaching the game, as well as his track record for development and recruiting make him a great fit for our defense and our entire program.”
Sumlin still needs to hire another assistant on the defensive side of the ball. If Rhoads coaches linebackers, as he intimated at his introductory news conference, the final hire likely would coach safeties.
Sumlin dismissed three assistants during the 2019 season: defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, linebackers coach John Rushing and defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei. Cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin was the lone defensive assistant to be retained.
Arizona finished last in the Pac-12 in points allowed and total defense. The Wildcats also had the fewest sacks in the league. The hope is that Rhoads and Eggen can get the most out of some talented front-seven defenders who didn’t play up to their potential this past season.
“I want to thank Coach Sumlin and (Rhoads) for the opportunity to become a part of the Arizona football family,” Eggen said.
Eggen coached Bennett, Miller, Bryant and Jolly while at Texas A&M from 2003-07. Bennett and Miller are still active in the NFL.
Miller is a three-time All-Pro for the Denver Broncos and was named MVP of Super Bowl 50.