Citizen Staff Writer
JOHN MOREDICH
jmoredich@tucsoncitizen.com
New coaches sometimes need time to get acclimated, not only with the players but the coaching staff and the offensive scheme.
Seth Littrell, hired as the University of Arizona running backs/tight ends coach Monday, has two of those burdens handled.
Littrell worked with Wildcats offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and receivers coach David Nichol at Texas Tech.
“I’ve been around these guys for so long that it is going to make the transition a lot easier,” Littrell said. “We’ve always said it would be great to get back together again.”
Littrell, 30, replaced Dana Dimel, who accepted a similar position at Kansas State two weeks ago.
Arizona’s tailbacks won’t need much of a break-in process either.
“We will basically run what they give us and what we have been doing here,” Littrell said. “Coach Dykes called a great game plan last year and we are just going to expand on that.”
Littrell played for coach Mike Stoops at Oklahoma.
“Seth has a consistent knowledge of our offense from top to bottom,” Stoops said. “He will bring a lot of youthful enthusiasm and awareness to our program with his great passion for the game. I was able to watch him develop as a player and he’s gotten off to an outstanding start as a coach.”
Littrell has a proven track record with backs.
Baron Batch and Shannon Woods combined for 1,435 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, while also catching 74 passes for Texas Tech, last year.
Former Red Raiders tailback Taurean Henderson caught an NCAA-record 302 receptions out of the backfield during his career under Littrell.
“We’re going to get together and study the film on what these guys can do, and then get to work,” Littrell said. “We don’t have much time until we need to get to work.”
Arizona opens spring drills March 4.