Robert Anae was one of 29 finalists for the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant. Photo by Michael Chow, Arizona Republic.
Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez has re-hired offensive line coach Robert Anae from the UA’s 2011 staff, the school announced Friday night.
Anae recently completed his first season at UA after spending six years at BYU.
“I’m happy to re-hire Robert to join this staff,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to add to our offensive package and is a great fit for our program.”
Anae earned high marks for his work with the offensive line, which entered last season as the nation’s youngest group (one total career start). Without a senior, the group should return intact next season … and it helps that it won’t have its third line coach in three seasons.
“I’m thrilled to be back and eager to join Coach Rodriguez and the rest of his staff in shaping a new direction for Arizona football,” Anae said in a statement. “We have a great opportunity to be a fine team. I’m ready to bear down with Rich’s staff.”
Anae also gives Arizona a Polynesian presence on the coaching staff, which is traditional for the Wildcats but is something Rodriguez has lacked in his recruiting background.
Rodriguez has hired five coaches — four of whom he worked with at West Virginia and Michigan.
Three arrived Wednesday — co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Calvin Magee, receivers coach Tony Dews and defensive backs coach Tony Gibson.
On Thursday, Rodriguez hired co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rod Smith.
Rodriguez said he would like his staff completed by next week, looking to hire a tight ends coach and three defensive assistants, including a coordinator.