By
Maxx Wolfson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Editor's Note: In the next three weeks, the Arizona Daily Wildcat will sit down with new defensive coordinator Duane Akina, the highest-ranking holdover from the Dick Tomey era; new offensive coordinator Rick Dykes and, in our final installment, UA head coach John Mackovic on March 19, the first day of spring practice.
Running backs coach Bobby Kennedy talks about the big question he faces in the fall - who is going to start at running back?
Kennedy, 34, was hired by Mackovic shortly after he took over for Tomey in early December. Kennedy spent the past six seasons as running backs coach at Wake Forest.
WILDCAT: What's it like being on the staff that replaces Dick Tomey, who was at Arizona for 14 seasons before quitting in late November? Has your transition been difficult?
KENNEDY: I don't know if it's a tough transition because if you look at what coach Tomey did here - I mean, 14 years - it's a heck of a run for anybody.
The reason why I was excited about coming here was because it wasn't like a place that has never had success (before). There had been successful players here. I think the previous staff did a great job in terms of recruiting and getting this program on track to be a powerhouse.
WILDCAT: How did Mackovic approach you about the job?
KENNEDY: I have always respected him. The neat thing was I kind of had a feeling that he would call me, but I wasn't sure.
The funny thing is when you're in this business for this long, you never know what opportunities are going to present themselves. I knew deep down in my heart that I knew I wanted to come here, not just because I was unemployed and was looking for a job, but because I knew the opportunity at Arizona would be great, especially with coach Mackovic.
WILDCAT: For better or for worse, Tucson is considered a basketball town. Coach Mackovic wants it to be a football town, too. Is there room to share the spotlight?
KENNEDY: The exciting thing about Tucson is that it could be a University of Arizona town - it doesn't have to be a basketball school or a football school. I think there are enough people in Tucson and throughout the state that are going to support both teams equally. The basketball team has had great success - there is no arguing that - but I think people are excited about football, especially with coach Mackovic coming in.
WILDCAT: For a 34-year-old coach, you have a pretty extensive resume working under Mackovic (Illinois), Joe Paterno (at Penn State), Joe Tiller (at Wyoming) and Jim Caldwell (at Wake Forest). What has working for all these coaches taught you?
KENNEDY: Each guy approaches things a little differently, and with all of them, some things are good and some things are bad. Nobody is perfect because everybody makes mistakes. It's going to be neat working for a head coach that is heavily involved in working with the offense because it holds you accountable to what you're teaching and how your players play.
WILDCAT: Considering your age and resume, do you consider this job a steppingstone?
KENNEDY: Not at all. In fact if you look at my background, as a young coach I was with (John) Mackovic at Illinois, then I went to Penn State and coached tight ends. From there, I moved on to Wyoming for two years and Wake Forest for six. I've never gone into any job thinking 'hey, I'm going to be here for one or two years and then bolt.'
The way I look at Arizona - this is the best job that I have ever had. Arizona is the (right) type of place, and I work for the (right) type of guy. I want to make this a long term deal, if possible.
WILDCAT: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
KENNEDY: I've never really looked that far ahead. I think I would eventually like to be a head coach, but on the other hand, this is a place you could be for 10 years. I would like to be a head coach, and I would like to be a coordinator, but I don't want to go just anywhere. I don't have a great desire right now to coach in the NFL even though a lot of my friends said it was a great thing to do. I really like college football.
WILDCAT: How excited are you to work with running back Mike Bell, who some regard as the top player in the state.?
KENNEDY: I'm really excited about him, and I think he'll be a great addition to our unit. It was neat helping recruiting him - Rob Ianello did a great job in getting him. Anytime that you can get the marquee in the state, I think it tells a lot about your university and what it has to offer educationally. I also think he thinks, 'hey this is a situation where I can come in and compete.' As a coach, you want to coach the best guys. What makes great coaches is great players.
WILDCAT: With so many strong candidates for the starting running back job, are you afraid somebody might transfer?
KENNEDY: Hopefully if (the running back) is a competitor, he will work hard and practice well and compete for the job.
The guys that tend to say 'jeez, I'm just going to go somewhere else' might not be right for your program anyway.
WILDCAT: When he was hired, coach Mackovic guaranteed that the Wildcats would compete in - and win - a Rose Bowl. This season, is it Rose Bowl or bust?
KENNEDY: I don't know necessarily if it's Rose Bowl or bust, but I think you build your program so that when the opportunity presents itself, you take advantage of that opportunity. I, along with every other coach on the staff, would love to go to the Rose Bowl next year because it is the National Championship game. That would be outstanding.
