Arizona has an opening to fill on its defensive coaching staff.

DeWayne Walker, the Wildcats’ cornerbacks coach, announced on social media Thursday that he has “parted ways” with the program after two years on coach Jedd Fisch’s staff. Walker, 62, is a longtime football coach with more than three decades of experience in both the college game and the pros.

During his two seasons in Tucson, the pass defense was less than ideal. Arizona allowed 8.1 yards per pass play in 2021, a mark that ranked 104th nationally. Only six FBS teams had fewer interceptions than the Wildcats as well.

Efficiency against the pass improved only marginally in 2022, with the yards-per-play clip climbing to 7.7 (99th nationally). The UA also intercepted only four passes for the second consecutive season. Only Michigan State had fewer in 2022.

In his season-ending press conference, Fisch said he didn’t anticipate making changes to his coaching staff in the offseason but defense was a major concern for the Wildcats throughout much of the year. After a four-win improvement, Arizona is looking to take another major step in 2023 by hopefully fixing its defense.