iStockPhoto/Thinkstock(TUSCON, Ariz.) -- Arizona has hired Rich Rodriguez as their new football coach, replacing Mike Stoops, who was fired last month. Wildcats athletic director Greg Byrne made the announcement via his Twitter page Monday.

Rodriguez takes over a program that has struggled this season, going 2-7 in the Pac-12 and 3-8 overall.

“One thing Rich Rodriguez is going to have to do is hire a good defensive coordinator, a good defensive staff,” ESPN college football insider Joe Schad said. “Arizona had problems defensively, even though Mike Stoops had a defensive background.”

Arizona will hold a news conference Tuesday.

Rodriguez previously coached West Virginia and Michigan.

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