Arizona's Gonzales Ready To Copy Last Year's Success

Last year's Wildcat defense was a fierce one and now they are ready to continue the momentum.

Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales against the Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales took the job in 2025, he was faced with the huge task of turning the group around from one that was at the bottom of the Big 12 into a fearsome one that opposing teams must respect.

He did just that, turning the Wildcats' defense into one that sits at the top of the conference. Gonzales is now in his second year as the defensive coordinator after coaching the linebackers under Brent Brennan. His chaotic defense, which features blitzes from all areas, wreaks havoc on opposing teams.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) is tackled by Arizona Wildcats linebacker Taye Brown (6) during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Gonzales inherited a group ranked 14th in scoring defense and turned them around into the fourth-ranked defense. Gonzales' squad was also ranked first in passing defense and led the league in interceptions. Gonzales was able to make the turnaround by getting his player to buy into the RedLine motto that Brennan speaks of so much.

Now that Gonzales is in his second year as a defensive coordinator, he is looking to replicate last season's success. Doing so is a tall order for Gonzales, especially in a tough conference like the Big 12. If there is anyone up to the challenge, it is Gonzales, and he has the tools to do it.

Gonzales Has Huge Goals This Year

Iowa State Cyclones' wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) makes a catch around Arizona Wildcats defensive back Ayden Garnes (9) during the first quarter in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tunnel Vision for Wildcats

Gonzales' goals last year were simple: make it to the Rose Bowl and finish as the best defense in the country. Although neither one was met, Arizona came really close to the ladder. Now that the Wildcats are a season removed from the previous year, the goal remains the same.

"We finished 13th in the country in yards per play, 19th in yards per game," Gonzales said. "We finished number one in the country in passing defense, number five in the country in passing yards attempted, number seven in the country in passing yards allowed. We want to be number one. We want to be top 10 in all those categories."

Aug 30, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Mays Pese (99), linebacker Taye Brown (6), and defensive lineman Julian Saviinaea (41) all celebrate after they intercept the ball from the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the third quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

"We want to continue to take the ball away and create turnovers. But where we screwed up last year and we weren't good enough was on run defense. The two games that we allowed people to run the football, we lost. They've heard that every day this fall offseason, too. We didn't play well enough against BYU and Houston, and that's why we didn't have a chance to play in the conference championship game. And so, don't let people run the ball."