New defensive coordinator will be announced by Friday

With only 18 days remaining before the start of spring practice, Arizona football is still without a defensive coordinator.

As talks finalize in the search for a replacement for Duane Akina, who left to coach defensive backs at the University of Texas, UA athletic director Jim Livengood is optimistic that a new coach will be named by the end of the week.

"Right now we just have to respect the process," he said. "We've talked to a number of people, and we'll make a decision by Thursday or Friday."

One interested candidate met with Livengood and head coach John Mackovic over the weekend.