Arizona’s special-teams coordinator, Craig Naivar, has stepped forward with encouragement and practical guidance for placekicker Michael Salgado-Medina as the kicker works through a stretch of criticism. Naivar is handling the coaching side while Salgado-Medina focuses on regaining consistency, and the coach says small, repeatable adjustments can help steady performance under pressure.

Naivar’s recommendations center on simplifying the process: tighten the pre-kick routine, focus on plant-foot placement and ball contact, and break the swing into measurable checkpoints that can be rehearsed until they become automatic. He’s also emphasized the importance of consistency from the snap and hold to reduce variables on each attempt, along with using practice reps that simulate game-like pressure.

The backdrop to those suggestions is the attention that comes with missed kicks. Placekickers often face intense scrutiny because a single make-or-miss can change the outcome of a game. Naivar’s role is to shield the player from distraction, provide disciplined instruction, and keep the work focused on controllable elements rather than outside noise.

Beyond technique, the team is backing a holistic approach: film study to identify technical trends, targeted practice sessions to rebuild routine confidence, and mental-skills work to manage nerves in critical moments. Teammates and coaches have been encouraged to provide steady support so the kicker can re-establish rhythm and trust in game situations.

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