Arizona players give early reactions to Jedd Fisch’s move to Washington
Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch is leaving to take the job at Washington in a move that has left some Wildcats upset and frustrated over the decision.
Already, contract details for the Huskies’ offer are being reported, and Fisch recently held a team meeting at Arizona. Fisch confirmed his departure in the team meeting, and players are not happy with the move.
Justin Spears with the Arizona Daily Star reports Fisch’s meeting was “very short” with the head coach simply walking in to say he was leaving for Washington and then leaving:
The team meeting was very short. Jedd Fisch walked in, said that he’s leaving for Washington and left. Players are not happy.
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) January 14, 2024
Dalton Johnson, Arizona’s second-leading tackler this season, stopped to talk to reporters on his way into the team meeting. He was clearly subdued in his comments but acknowledged the Wildcats will try to stick together and “are going to be alright.”
“(It) happened fast, but you know, it’s college football,” said Johnson. “Don’t know the decision yet, but obviously media has given it away. I love Coach Fisch, I know he puts us in his best interests no matter what. Just want the best for him and his family. It’s up to God what’s meant to be.”
Arizona FAU safety Dalton Johnson shares his thoughts as Jacob Manu, Jonah Savaiinaea and others head in behind him to the players meeting pic.twitter.com/wIUvxxERYB
— Brian Pedersen (@realBJP) January 14, 2024
Leading tackler and star linebacker Jacob Manu referenced being “sick” in a since-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter). Ephesians Prysock’s reaction noted his shock at the decision with an eye-popping emoji. During an Instagram live segment, star running back Jonah Coleman admitted Sunday is “somber” for the Wildcats while a host of other Arizona players joined in with reactions across social media.
Jonah Coleman just went live on Instagram and was just shaking his head. Bill Norton next to him and said “It’s a somber day.”
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) January 14, 2024
😲…
— EPHESIANS PRYSOCK (@ephe5ian5) January 14, 2024
💔…
— Tacario Davis (@TacarioD) January 14, 2024
Damn.
— Audric Harris (@audricharris2) January 14, 2024
😢😢
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) January 14, 2024
This one understandably hurts, especially for a young core that achieved a 10-win season in 2023. Expectations were rising heading into the 2024 season, but things will take on a new look with Fisch heading to Washington.