Tag: Fisch

Basha quarterback Demond Williams poses for pictures after signing his letter of intent to play for University of Arizona during the NLI signing at Basha High School in Chandler on Dec. 20, 2023.

Four-star QB Demond Williams flips from Arizona to Washington

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Demond Williams, a four-star quarterback prospect in the Class of 2024, is following coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington.

Williams previously committed to the Wildcats but announced Sunday that he will play for the national runner-up Huskies next year.

Williams, a native of Chandler, Ariz., told On3 the “family feel that was brought over from Arizona” by Fisch to Washington was part of his decision to flip.

Listed anywhere between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-11, Williams was the No. 16 quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings for the 2024 recruiting cycle.

His move is the latest ripple effect of the retirement of Alabama legendary coach Nick Saban. Kalen DeBoer left Washington to take the Alabama job, prompting the Huskies to hire Fisch after he led Arizona to a stellar 10-3 season and an Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Jedd Fisch against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Washington hires Arizona coach Jedd Fisch to replace Kalen DeBoer

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona’s Jedd Fisch agreed Sunday to a reported seven-year, $54.25 million deal to become the new coach at Washington.

The school confirmed the hiring Sunday evening but didn’t divulge financial figures.

Fisch reportedly was slated to inform Arizona coaches and players during a team meeting that he is departing.

Fisch replaces Kalen DeBoer, who took the Alabama job on Friday. DeBoer guided the Huskies to the College Football Playoff national title game, where they lost to Michigan 34-13 on Monday.

Fisch, 47, coached the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and a No. 11 final ranking in the AP poll this season. Arizona finished the season with seven consecutive victories, including a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.

It marked just the fourth time the Wildcats won 10 or more games in a season.

Overall, Fisch went 16-21 in three seasons with the Wildcats. His first team went 1-11 in 2021 before he won five games the following year and made another jump this season.

Among Fisch’s past coaching stints was a one-year stay (2010) as the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach. He was the New England Patriots’ quarterbacks coach for the 2020 season before Arizona hired him.

DeBoer went 25-3 in two seasons with the Huskies. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was hopeful of being promoted to head coach but announced Saturday night that he “will not be the next head coach at the University of Washington.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Will Plummer (15) talks to head coach Jedd Fisch during action against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 95th Territorial Cup game at Sun Devil Stadium. Ncaa Football Arizona Wildcats At Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona coach Jedd Fisch lands extension through 2027 season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona coach Jedd Fisch agreed to a two-year extension through the 2027 season, the school announced Thursday.

The deal comes after the Wildcats sported a 5-7 record in Fisch’s second season. Arizona went 1-11 in his first.

“Coach Fisch has brought a new level of energy and excitement to Arizona Football, for our student-athletes and for our fans,” school president Dr. Robert C. Robbins said in a news release. “With a top-20 recruiting class this past year, an outstanding season, and the kind of integrity and dedication we value at the University of Arizona, he has earned this vote of confidence and I am excited for the bright future he is building for this program.”

The Wildcats’ best moment this season was a 34-28 road victory over then-No. 9 UCLA. They also defeated rival Arizona State 38-35 in the regular-season finale.

Arizona’s other victories this season were against San Diego State, North Dakota State and Colorado.

“This new contract will allow us to continue to build and improve in all areas,” Fisch said in the news release. “This would not be possible without the incredible efforts of our players and coaches, to whom I am incredibly grateful.”

Fisch, 46, served two games as UCLA’s interim coach in 2017 after the firing of Jim Mora. He spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams as an offensive assistant following that campaign and was the New England Patriots’ quarterback coach in 2020 before being hired by Arizona.

–Field Level Media