Arizona is on the verge of a key front office hire that could shape the future of its football program. The Wildcats are expected to bring in Aaron Knotts as their next general manager, a move that signals both continuity and ambition as they navigate a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
Knotts brings over a decade of experience from Washington, where he most recently held the title of Director of Internal Operations and Football Strategy. He’s worn several hats during his 12-year run in Seattle, including stints as Chief of Staff and Associate Athletic Director. That kind of versatility is exactly what Arizona needs right now.
In his new role, Knotts will be at the center of the Wildcats’ roster management efforts - a job that’s never been more complex. Between player retention, the ever-active transfer portal, and high school recruiting battles, the GM position has become one of the most pivotal in college football. And with Arizona undergoing a front office reset, Knotts steps into a high-stakes situation.
The shakeup comes after former GM Gaizka Crowley departed for Arkansas, taking with him a significant piece of Arizona’s recent success. Crowley, along with Director of Scouting Fletcher Kelly, played a major role in building the roster during the early years of Brent Brennan’s tenure. Kelly is also expected to join Crowley in Fayetteville, leaving Arizona with multiple key roles to fill.
Knotts’ background suggests he’s more than ready for the challenge. He started his coaching journey as a tight ends coach at Division III Centre College in Kentucky, but his career took a major step forward in 2014 when he joined Chris Petersen’s staff at Washington. From there, he transitioned into recruiting and personnel work, eventually moving into operations and administrative leadership.
In 2024, he was promoted to Associate Athletic Director and Chief of Staff at UW, a role that gave him a seat at the table for some major decisions - including serving on the three-person search committee that brought in Jedd Fisch as Washington’s head coach. That experience, especially in high-level program strategy and hiring, should serve him well in Tucson.
Arizona’s decision to tap Knotts reflects a desire to maintain momentum while also bringing in a fresh voice with deep experience in both recruiting and program infrastructure. With the portal window always open and recruiting calendars never slowing down, the Wildcats are betting on a leader who knows how to navigate the chaos - and build something sustainable through it.