Cornerbacks coach Donté Williams is expected to leave Arizona for a similar, higher-paying position at Nebraska.
HuskersIllustrated.com reported that Williams has accepted the job. It won’t become official until Nebraska makes an announcement.
Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez is operating as if Williams’ move is a done deal. Rodriguez plans to move quickly to find a replacement. A month-long recruiting “dead period” begins Dec. 12.
It is not known whether Rodriguez will seek a secondary coach or a linebackers coach. Defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, who currently coaches linebackers, is a longtime DB coach, giving Rodriguez some flexibility.
Regardless of the position, Rodriguez will add someone with a strong recruiting résumé. Williams is considered one of the top recruiters in the nation. He was instrumental in securing a verbal commitment from Los Angeles four-star athlete Greg Johnson, among others.
It remains to be seen how Williams’ imminent departure will affect Arizona’s current and future recruiting classes. The Wildcats entered the weekend with 26 commitments for 2017. Rodriguez and others have used the incoming class as a selling point for future prosperity after a 3-9 season.
Williams just completed his first season at Arizona after spending the previous three years at San Jose State.
