By John Nestor

Tuscon, AZ

The University of Arizona has tabbed Rich Rodriguez as its next head football coach and are hoping he can breathe life into the struggling Wildcats program

Athletic director Greg Byrne was set to introduce Rodriguez as the new coach in a news conference Tuesday in McKale Center.

Byrne essentially made the announcement Monday when he posted on his Twitter account a picture of himself with Rodriguez, wearing an Arizona baseball cap. Rodriguez's wife and two children were also in the picture and the tweet read "And the new Arizona football coach and his family is ..."

The 48-year-old Rodriguez becomes Arizona's 30th head coach, succeeding Tim Kish, who took over for eight-year head coach Mike Stoops on Oct. 9.

The Wildcats are 3-8 entering their season finale against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Rodriguez has been working an an analyst for CBS Sports this season but has made no secret of his desire to return to the sidelines. He'll get that chance in the desert now as he tried to turn the Wildcats around.

Rodriguez led West Virginia to national prominance and a pair of BCS bowl victories before heading to Michigan. He was fired after three seasons with the Wolverines, where he spent three seasons and was 15-22, including a 7-5 mark in 2010.

 

 

Arizona Hires Rich Rodriguez as New Football Coach