Michigan’s defense was among the top-12 in the nation for four straight years from 2016-19, and that was thanks to defensive coordinator Don Brown.

Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch announced on Thursday that the Wildcats have hired Brown, who had been released from Michigan earlier this month. The Wolverines defense struggled in 2020, but over the four-year stretch prior, led the country in pass defense twice, 2016 & 2017.

Nicknamed “Dr. Blitz” for his aggressive, heavy blitzing attacks, he is considered one of the top defensive coaches in college football.

Brown has nearly 45 years of coaching experience, and was a five-time nominee and a 2016 finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. Over 29 of Brown’s defensive players have been selected in the NFL Draft, and he is credited for the success of Boston College’s defense over the course of three seasons, earning him the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015.

Fisch made a statement with the announcement.

“Today is a huge day for Arizona Football as we have the opportunity to welcome Dr. Blitz to our football program,” said Head Coach Jedd Fisch in a statement. “Don Brown has coordinated the most elite defenses in all of college football, year in and year out, and today Wildcat Nation, we get to introduce him to you as our new defensive coordinator. I have known Don since 2016 when we worked together but have respected and admired him as a coach for many years prior. He is incredibly passionate and a phenomenal teacher. He brings an energy and enthusiasm to play an attacking style of defense, one in which all former and current players, football alumni and our fan base will be proud of and genuinely excited to watch on Saturdays in the Fall. The Wildcat Football Family is so excited to welcome Don and Deb Brown to Tucson. Bear Down and Go Cats!”