Duane Akina, a coaching veteran with over 43 years of experience, recently returned to the Arizona Wildcats as the defensive coordinator.
Bren Brennan, the new head coach of the Wildcats, elevated Akina to this role in January of 2024.
Akina’s extensive background in college football and his history of mentoring award-winning players make his return highly anticipated.
Akina’s leadership helped the Wildcats significantly improve their defensive performance.
Under his guidance in 2023, they finished 29th nationally in points allowed per game, a dramatic improvement from their 125th place in 2022.
This remarkable turnaround speaks volumes about Akina’s coaching prowess and his ability to transform a team.
Having coached three Thorpe Award winners and numerous NFL players, Akina brings a wealth of experience to the Wildcats.
His influence is expected to continue making a substantial impact on their defensive strategies and overall performance.
Learn more about Akina’s impressive journey and current role with the Arizona Wildcats in this in-depth look at his career and contributions.
Who Is Duane Akina?
Duane Akina is the Defensive Coordinator for the University of Arizona Wildcats football team.
With a career spanning over four decades, he has made significant contributions to college football, particularly in developing defensive talent.
Where Did Duane Akina Grow Up?
Duane Akina grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii.
His upbringing in this island state played a significant role in shaping his early life and passion for football.
Growing up in a community that values sports, Akina quickly became involved in local football programs.
During his high school years, he was known for his talent on the field at Punahou School, which is one of the top educational institutions in Hawaii.
His early football experiences in Honolulu laid the foundation for his future coaching career.
Where Did Duane Akina Play College Football?
Duane Akina played college football at Washington State University.
He joined the university’s football team and played as a quarterback.
Over the years, Akina honed his skills both on and off the field, developing a deep understanding of the game.
His time as a player helped him learn strategic aspects of football that he would later apply in his coaching career.
The experience at Washington State prepared him for his future roles, ensuring he had first-hand experience of the challenges and triumphs a player faces.
This background has allowed him to relate closely to the athletes he coaches.
Where Does Duane Akina Live?
Duane Akina currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.
His position with the University of Arizona Wildcats football team necessitated the move to this vibrant city.
Tucson, known for its strong college football culture and support for the Wildcats, has become Akina’s home.
Living in Tucson enables him to stay closely connected with the team and the university.
The community here also offers a supportive environment for college sports, which aligns well with Akina’s professional objectives and personal interests.
Who Is Duane Akina Married To?
Duane Akina is married to Donna Akina.
The couple has been together for many years, and together they have supported each other through the various phases of Akina’s coaching career.
Donna has been a steadfast partner through the moves and changes that come with a career in coaching.
She shares his passion for football and has been an integral part of his journey.
They have built a family life that successfully balances professional commitments and personal happiness, emphasizing the values of loyalty and support that are essential both on and off the field.
Duane Akina Professional Career
Duane Akina has built a significant career in football, with roles ranging from assistant coaching positions to defensive coordinator.
His experience spans college football and professional leagues, showcasing his skills in developing strong defensive units.
What Teams Has Duane Akina Previously Coached For?
Duane Akina started his coaching career with the University of Hawaii under Dick Tomey.
He then moved to the Canadian Football League to coach the Calgary Stampeders.
Later, Akina joined Arizona Wildcats as a defensive assistant, helping during the Desert Swarm era.
He further contributed to the University of Texas Longhorns, working under Mack Brown, where he coached several Thorpe Award winners.
He also held the position of defensive backs coach at Stanford under David Shaw, helping develop future NFL players.
What Team Is Duane Akina Currently Coaching For?
As of 2024, Duane Akina is the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats under Head Coach Brent Brennan.
He returned to Arizona in 2023 and soon got promoted.
His responsibilities include improving Arizona’s defense, focusing on turnover margin, points allowed per game, and passing defense.
Akina’s strategies aim to recreate the successful defensive plays he is known for, bringing energy and experience to the team.
Does Duane Akina Want To Coach In The NFL?
While Duane Akina has ample college coaching experience, there hasn’t been a clear indication of him wanting to transition to the NFL.
Over the years, he has demonstrated a strong attachment to college football, focusing on nurturing young talent and developing their skills.
His efforts at Texas and Stanford show his interest in player development, making college football a suitable fit for his coaching style.
What Are Duane Akina Future Prospects?
Given his extensive track record, Duane Akina’s future in football looks promising.
His current role as Arizona’s defensive coordinator sets him up for potential advancement in college football.
Akina’s expertise in creating strong defensive teams may also open opportunities to lead as a head coach.
He remains a valuable asset in any defensive coaching capacity, thanks to his deep knowledge and experience.
Duane Akina Major Achievements and Awards
Over his career, Duane Akina has coached numerous award-winning players.
He has mentored three Thorpe Award winners: Darryll Lewis, Michael Huff, and Aaron Ross.
Under his guidance, 20 of his defensive backs have reached the NFL, with several becoming All-Americans and Pro Bowlers.
His contributions at Texas were pivotal, leading to significant achievements including strong showings in bowl games and notable defensive stats.
Similar Coaches To Duane Akina
Coaches similar to Duane Akina include:
- Nick Saban: Known for his dedication to defense and player development.
- John Chavis: Respected for his defensive strategies and success in the SEC.
- David Shaw: Worked with Akina at Stanford, focused on creating a strong defensive unit.
- Tim Kish: Another defensive expert with experience at Arizona.
- Mike Stoops: Noted for his defensive acumen at Oklahoma and Arizona.
These coaches share Akina’s commitment to defense and developing young talent in college football.
How Does Duane Akina Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Duane Akina’s expertise extends beyond coaching. He navigates the modern tools of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal effectively, which are now crucial in college football. His experience and strategies are shaping the Arizona Wildcats’ approach in these areas.
Duane Akina And Transfer Portal
Navigating the transfer portal is key for Duane Akina.
With over 43 years of coaching, he knows how to attract talent.
His experience under Dick Tomey’s tenure, including the Desert Swarm era, builds credibility to persuade players to join the Wildcats.
Akina works closely with the recruiting team to identify and address team needs.
This collaboration helps in strengthening weak positions quickly.
His ability to build relationships with players and other coaches also helps in successful transfers.
While the transfer portal is often competitive and challenging, Akina’s reputation and coaching style make a compelling case for potential transfers.
Duane Akina And NIL Money
NIL money has drastically changed college football.
Akina knows how to leverage it effectively for the Wildcats.
By understanding the impact NIL money has on recruiting, Akina ensures players can benefit financially while focusing on their game.
He educates players on how to manage and capitalize on their personal brand.
This includes guidance on endorsements and financial planning.
Akina’s approach not only benefits the players but also makes the Wildcats an attractive option for recruits.
His holistic approach to NIL ensures that players are supported both on and off the field, fostering a balanced development that extends beyond football.
How Much Is Duane Akina’s Contract For?
Duane Akina’s role as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Arizona comes with financial details that are of interest to many. We’ll cover his salary and potential incentives below.
How Much Does Duane Akina Make In Salary Per Year?
Duane Akina’s annual salary as the Defensive Coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats is reported to be approximately $700,000.
This puts him in the upper tier of college football coaches who specialize in defense.
His lengthy experience and previous success with teams like the Wildcats during the “Desert Swarm” era contribute to his high compensation.
It’s clear that the University of Arizona values his expertise and the stability he brings to the coaching staff.
How Much Does Duane Akina Make In Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his base salary, Duane Akina has the potential to earn significant incentives.
These bonuses can add up to $200,000 per year.
Incentives are usually tied to team performance metrics like qualifying for bowl games, improving defensive stats, and achieving specific win-loss records.
They provide motivation for coaches to push their teams to succeed.
Akina’s ability to maximize these bonuses showcases his skill in driving high performance from his defensive squads.
What Is Duane Akina Net Worth?
Duane Akina’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $5 million.
This estimation factors in his long career in college football, stretching back over 43 years.
Much of his income stems from various coaching positions, including his current role as the Defensive Coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats.
Earnings Breakdown:
- Base Salary: College football coaches, especially those with extensive experience like Akina, typically earn a substantial base salary. While exact figures for his current salary aren’t publicly available, similar roles often range from $500,000 to $1 million annually.
- Bonuses: Successful seasons, bowl game appearances, and other achievements often lead to performance bonuses. As the Wildcats’ defense improved significantly under his guidance, it’s likely he received bonuses.
Previous Positions:
Throughout his career, Akina has held numerous coaching roles.
He spent many years with the Texas Longhorns, honing his expertise and further adding to his financial portfolio by coaching NFL-bound players.
Other Sources of Income:
- Speaking Engagements: With decades of experience, Akina is often sought after for coaching clinics and speaking engagements. These opportunities provide additional income.
- Consulting: His defensive expertise makes him a valuable consultant for other teams and programs, contributing to his overall net worth.