Former defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz was named Arizona's interim head coach after the removal of former head coach John Mackovic yesterday.

Hankowitz becomes the 27th head coach in UA football history.

"It's my belief he will work for and with this excellent football staff to work forward," athletic director Jim Livengood said.

"He'll do fine," said junior tight end Steve Fleming. "A lot of players respect him."

This will be Hankwitz's first stint as a head coach after being in the coaching profession for 33 years. He spent the prior six seasons at Texas A&M before coming to Arizona as defensive coordinator this year.

Hankwitz also spent time at the defensive helm at Kansas and Colorado.

"We've got a lot of experience on our staff," Livengood said. "(Hankwitz) has been around great programs and been a part of championships. He is very well respected by our players, our team and our coaches."

Hankwitz was hired onto Arizona's staff in March following former defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff's departure to become the special teams coach for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. Mac Duff joined the man Mackovic was hired to replace, former UA head coach Dick Tomey, who coaches defensive backs in San Francisco.

Hankwitz was assigned to head the defense and insert a new 3-4 defensive look, replacing the Wildcats' patented double-eagle flex, MacDuff's specialty.

This had been Hankwitz's second stint working with Mackovic. The two also coached together at Purdue.

Livengood said it made his decision more difficult knowing that Hankwitz and Mackovic were friends, but believed the team had to move forward.

"Mike is a professional and he wants to do anything he can to help these young players," Livengood said.

According to Livengood, the department will be conducting a nationwide search for the new head coach, of which details would be available later this week.

He also said that the possibility of Hankwitz remaining as Arizona's head coach beyond this season is up to him.

"I want our players to have as normal an experience as they possibly can for the rest of the season," Livengood said. "That is exactly why Mike Hankwitz will assume the interim role."