Louisiana Tech taps Arizona’s Sonny Dykes as head coach

La. Tech hires Dykes to replace Dooley

RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech has tapped Arizona Wildcats offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes to replace Derek Dooley as head football coach.

Dykes, who was introduced Wednesday, has coached in college for 15 years and has been with Arizona since 2007, serving as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He has never been a college head coach.

Last Friday, former Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley left to replace Lane Kiffin at Tennessee.

In 2009, Arizona won eight games before losing to Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. The Wildcats averaged 384.5 yards and 27.4 points per game.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

A person familiar with the hiring says Louisiana Tech has tapped Arizona Wildcats offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes to replace Derek Dooley as head football coach.

Dykes has coached in college for 15 years and has been with Arizona since 2007, serving as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The person who confirmed the hiring to The Associated Press requested anonymity because a formal announcement was scheduled for later Wednesday.

Last Friday, former Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley left to replace Lane Kiffin at Tennessee.

In 2009, Arizona won eight games before losing to Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. The Wildcats averaged 384.5 yards and 27.4 points per game.