Dino Babers reportedly set to be named OC at Big 12 program

Arizona is expected to hire former Syracuse coach Dino Babers as its next offensive coordinator, according to a report.

That news was first shared by FootballScoop on Thursday afternoon. Babers becomes a key assistant on Brent Brennan’s first staff in Tucson. This w

ill not be Babers’ first stint in Arizona. He served in a variety of roles on the Wildcats’ coaching staff from 1995-2000, including as the program’s offensive coordinator from 1998-2000.

Babers was fired as Syracuse’s head coach just before the end of the 2023 season. He spent nearly 8 seasons in charge of the Orange and helped lead the program to three bowl games during his tenure. Syracuse won 10 games during an impressive 2018 campaign, but Babers was never able to replicate that success.

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ill be Babers’ first time as an offensive coordinator since he served in that role for Texas A&M in 2001-02. Prior to taking the head job at Syracuse, he was the head coach at Bowling Green and Eastern Illinois. He’s also been an assistant coach at programs such as Baylor, UCLA and Pitt.

Syracuse hired Fran Brown to succeed Babers this offseason. Brown, a New Jersey native, has had an impressive first offseason in charge. Syracuse’s transfer portal class is headlined by former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord.