The coaching carousel in college football has taken another spin, with Jedd Fisch departing the University of Arizona to head up to Seattle and take the reins of the Washington Huskies. Sources say Fisch's deal is locked in for seven years at a hefty $7.75 million per annum, as per 12 News.
After a stint that saw the Arizona Wildcats claw their way back into college football relevance, Fisch leaves a program that just notched its first 10-win season in close to a decade. The Wildcats boasted an impressive end to their season, winning the Alamo Bowl and defeating a number 12-ranked Oklahoma. With a record like that, Fisch snagged not just victories but also a finalist spot for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Having engineered a turnaround that propelled Arizona from the depths of a winless 2020 season to the heights of college football's upper echelon, it's no wonder Washington scooped him up after their former coach Kalen DeBoer jetted off to take over for Nick Saban at Alabama, according to azcentral.com.
Washington's athletic director Troy Dannen took to social media on Sunday, sharing a video that sparked quite the conversation, showing Fisch in his Tucson home—adorned with an Arizona Wildcat logo near the door—inking the deal that officially made him a Husky. This change of scenery for Fisch comes at a time when Arizona's offense, which was one of the nation's most explosive, averaging 448 yards and 34.6 points per game, is in the spotlight.
Fisch's journey to Washington is a poignant reminder of the business nature of college sports. His farewell letter to Arizona fans and students, released after the announcement, highlighted his emotional turmoil. "I absolutely have loved my time as a Wildcat and never thought my family and I would ever leave," he shared. "Unfortunately, that day has come. It was a gut-wrenching and agonizing decision. But, I am proud to leave everything in a better place than when I came," as obtained by 12news.com.
As the dust settles in Tucson, Dave Heeke, the Arizona Vice President & Director of Athletics, assures that the search for a new coach is already in full swing. "Arizona Football is well positioned for future success and championship excellence, and I am confident we will attract a new leader who will continue the positive trajectory of our nationally ranked football program," said Heeke, showcasing his commitment to the Wildcats' onward march.
