Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Doege has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the career of quarterback Noah Fifita, who is now leading the Wildcats with remarkable performance. This season, Fifita has established himself as the program’s leader in both passing yards and victories, throwing for at least 275 yards and two touchdowns in each game of a five-game winning streak. He currently leads the Big 12 with a 74.2 completion percentage and a 174 passer rating.
Despite his success, Doege humbly acknowledges that Fifita outshines him as a player. “Noah is way better than me,” Doege said. “But I think the thing he respects about my experience is I can see it through his lens.” Fifita, for his part, credits Doege with transforming his football journey, stating, “Coach Doege changed my life. He saved my football career. In a way, I’ll never be able to repay him.”
When Doege joined Arizona in 2025, Fifita faced intense challenges after a disappointing sophomore season that saw the team drop from 10 wins to four. Under former head coach Jedd Fisch, who left for Washington, Fifita struggled with consistency and confidence. With new leadership and direction from coach Brent Brennan, Doege was tasked with reviving the program and specifically supporting Fifita.
Doege and Fifita quickly formed a strong bond, sharing similar values and goals. “There was an attraction that me and Noah had to each other,” Doege reflected. “We see the game through the same lens, laugh at the same jokes.” Doege focused on Fifita’s strengths, crafting an offense that leveraged his unique skill set. Unlike traditional Air Raid systems, Doege’s approach incorporates both Air Raid concepts and more robust formations with a pro-style running game.
This strategic shift allowed Fifita to thrive. He made significant improvements in his performance, jumping from 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions the previous year to 29 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions this season. Under Doege’s tutelage, he has thrown for an average of 295 yards per game, ranking among the best in college football.
Now, as Arizona holds a 6-1 record and is ranked No. 22 nationally, Doege prepares to return to Lubbock as an opposing coach when the Wildcats face No. 13 Texas Tech. This match holds special significance for Doege, whose family remains tied to Texas Tech, where he once played. Despite his ties to the Red Raiders, Doege expressed excitement for Fifita’s opportunity to shine in Lubbock, saying, “I would love for him to win on the turf that was blood, sweat, and tears for me.”
The upcoming game will be crucial for Arizona, which aims to bolster its position in the Big 12 title race, a feat not achieved since 2014.
