The 2012 Discover Orange Bowl is finally here. While that may mean absolutely nothing to most of those living in the deserts of Arizona, it is a significant date for the UA Wildcats football program. Why? Because West Virginia and Jeff Casteel will see their season officially end as of Wednesday evening.
Casteel, who worked with Rich Rodriguez for many years at WVU, has been rumored to be the lead candidate for the open defensive coordinator position with the Wildcats. Many around the program know luring Casteel was imperative for RichRod to be successful right out of the gate and most reports believe that will happen as soon as Thursday morning.
Among those who believe coach Casteel will make his way to Arizona in the coming days is Ryan Finley of the Arizona Daily Star.
Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez is expected to complete his staff in the coming days. Reports out of Morgantown, W.Va., have linked the UA to West Virginia defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel, who would likely bring at least one Mountaineers assistant with him to Tucson.
Casteel has not commented publicly about the UA job, though news could come as soon as West Virginia's season ends after tonight's Orange Bowl.
If and when coach Casteel officially becomes a Wildcat, it will be a huge day for the program. While young, the Wildcats have a lot of returning talent on the defensive side of the ball and the secondary will likely be a strength of the team next season. It also allows the entire coaching staff to put the full court press on recruits with everyone in place.
The Orange Bowl may not usually peak the interests of the UA, but you may want to check it out on Wednesday night. It will feature one of the best defensive coordinators in the country, and if the many reports are accurate, that defensive coordinator may just be headed to the desert in the coming days.