Larry Mac Duff served as the defensive coordinator for the 1989 Arizona Wildcats football team. His extensive experience as a former player and assistant coach at Oklahoma solidified his reputation as a tenacious and aggressive defensive strategist.

The 1989 Wildcats boasted a formidable lineup, anchored by standout defensive back Tedy Bruschi, a consensus All-American. Their defensive prowess extended to the front line, led by the dynamic duo of Chris Singleton and Rob Waldrop.

This memorable season saw the Wildcats achieve a remarkable 9–2 record. Their stellar performance earned them an invitation to the Sun Bowl, where they clinched victory in a decisive 28-10 win over Nebraska.

At the helm of their offense was quarterback Tom Tunnicliffe, who showcased his skills by amassing 2,492 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Complementing the passing game was a robust running attack led by fullback Terry Battle, who rushed for an impressive 1,069 yards and recorded 11 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Wildcats were a force to be reckoned with, thanks in part to the exceptional leadership of Tedy Bruschi, along with the formidable defensive line duo of Chris Singleton and Rob Waldrop.

Notably, the Desert Swarm Defense made its debut during this era, becoming a defining feature of Arizona Wildcats football from 1991 to 1998. Created by defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff, this scheme was carefully crafted to deliver a fast and aggressive defensive style, effectively pressuring quarterbacks and generating turnovers.