Cats to hire BYU RB coach
The Arizona Wildcats hired BYU’s AJ Steward as their new running backs coach on Friday. He replaces DeMarco Murray, who left Arizona to coach the running backs at Oklahoma.
"We couldn't be happier to be welcoming AJ to the Arizona Football Family," coach Kevin Sumlin said in a press release. "AJ brings a work ethic and experience that will impact the development of our student-athletes in a very positive way. His passion for the game, passion for making a difference and his recruiting background make him a great fit for our staff."
Steward spent one season on the Cougars’ staff. BYU averaged 4.4 yards per carry and a 159.1 rushing yards per game last season.
"My wife Virginia and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to come to Tucson and make the University of Arizona our home," Steward said in the release. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to continue my coaching career under someone like Coach Sumlin, and I can't wait to get to work with our young men!"
Prior to that he coached at Rice from 2014-2017 and was a grad assistant for the Owls. He has been praised for having good recruiting ties in Texas.
He inherits a good crop of runners at Arizona including four players who rushed for 100 yards or more last season. They do lose their top two rushers in J.J. Taylor and QB Khalil Tate.
AJ STEWARD COACHING HISTORY
Arizona Assistant Coach – Running Backs (2020-current)
BYU Assistant Coach – Running Backs (2018-19)
Rice Assistant Coach – Running Backs (2014-17)
Rice Graduate Assistant (2012-13)