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Arizona fires defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei, per report

The Arizona Wildcats have fired defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei, sources tell C.J. Holmes of The Athletic.

Uiagalelei was hired by Kevin Sumlin prior to the 2018 season by way of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. where he was on staff since 2001, including roles as the defensive coordinator and associate head coach.

Uiagalalei helped the Mounties win three community college state championships and a pair of national championships, and it was hoped he could maximize Arizona’s undermanned defensive line and reestablish the Polynesian recruiting pipeline.

Instead, the D-line has been UA’s weakest position group, tallying just 13 sacks this season, easily the lowest in the Pac-12.