Arizona AD gives Rich Rodriguez vote of confidence

It appears the coaching carousel won't be making a stop in the desert this year.

In his weekly newsletter, Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne indicated the Wildcats will forge ahead with Rich Rodriguez as head coach, citing the team's effort in a season-finale win over Arizona State last week as evidence he's still a viable leader for the program.

"We believe this effort shows promise for the future and we're fully supportive of coach Rodriguez, his staff and the young men in our program, not to mention what appears to be a talented group of newcomers that will join the program heading into next season," Byrne wrote.

Rodriguez posted a 3-9 record this year, the worst since he inherited the program ahead of the 2012 season. It was the second straight disappointing campaign for Arizona, which went 7-6 last year after a strong 2014 season that included an appearance in the conference championship.

"We know it wasn't easy," Bryne said of the 2016 season, "but together, we can get back to competing for the Pac-12 South and Pac-12 Championship like we did in 2014. We're looking forward to the next chapter of Arizona football."

Arizona is 36-29 under Rodriguez, who'll presumably return for a sixth season.