Brent Brennan Takes the Helm of Arizona Wildcats Football

Eric Boggs August 8, 2024 3 min read

When Jedd Fisch took the helm of the Arizona Wildcats in 2021, it marked not only his debut as the team’s head coach but also his first experience as a head coach at any level. Despite a promising start, Fisch’s first season quickly turned challenging, with the Wildcats enduring an eight-game losing streak before finally snapping a school-record 20-game skid, culminating in a disappointing 1-11 record. This made Fisch’s debut season the worst for any Arizona head coach in modern history.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Wildcats are preparing for yet another debut. Brent Brennan, a coach with deep ties to Arizona and a proven track record of success, was named the new head coach in January 2024. Brennan brings with him a wealth of experience from his seven-year tenure at San José State University, where he led the Spartans to three bowl appearances and was named the 2020 Mountain West Coach of the Year.

Post-practice thoughts from @CoachBrennan following the first morning of Training Camp! pic.twitter.com/ChpzNvfXrA
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) July 31, 2024

Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke expressed his excitement about Brennan’s arrival, noting his strong connections to the Tucson community and his understanding of the program’s rich legacy. “Brent is an exceptional leader with a background of championship success on the field, on the recruiting trail, and as a leader in the community. With strong connections to the Tucson community and an appreciation for the rich legacy of our program under legendary Head Coach Dick Tomey, Brent’s vision to continue the upward trajectory of Arizona Football is rooted in the historical excellence of the program,” Heeke said.

Brennan, 51, is no stranger to Arizona football. He previously served as a graduate assistant under Tomey, the winningest coach in the program’s history, during the 2000 season. His ties to Arizona run deep, as his brother Bradley played for the Wildcats under Tomey, and his wife Courtney is an alumna of the university. Brennan’s coaching career has been marked by a series of successes, particularly at San José State, where he became the first coach in the school’s history to lead the Spartans to three bowl games in a four-year span. His teams were known for their offensive efficiency, particularly in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where they posted back-to-back winning records, a feat not accomplished at SJSU since the early 1990s.

University President Dr. Robert C. Robbins shared his enthusiasm for Brennan’s appointment, stating, “We are a proud Wildcat family, and Coach Brennan understands the Bear Down spirit because he has lived it. I look forward to the positive impact he will have for our players, our program, and our fans here in Tucson and nationwide.”

Brennan’s coaching resume is impressive, featuring the development of five All-Americans and 19 professional football players, six of whom have enjoyed lengthy NFL careers. His 2023 season at San José State was particularly noteworthy, as his team won six consecutive conference games to close out the regular season and secure a bowl berth. During that stretch, Brennan’s offense averaged over 38 points per game, while the defense held opponents to just 17.8 points per game.

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Reflecting on his return to Arizona, Brennan said, “I am so blessed and excited to come back to the University of Arizona. This incredible university is special to my family and I as it’s where I started as a coach as part of Coach Tomey’s legacy. I can’t wait to meet the players, families, fans, alumni, and supporters and build on the success the players and staff have started. Bear Down and Go Cats!”

Brennan’s journey to becoming Arizona’s head coach has been shaped by his experiences at various programs, including stints at Oregon State, where he helped develop standout players like 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks. His coaching history also includes time at Cal Poly and San José State, where he played a key role in developing some of the most potent offenses in college football.

With a new era on the horizon, Brennan’s appointment brings hope and excitement to the Arizona Wildcats football program. His deep ties to the university, combined with his proven coaching abilities, make him the ideal leader to guide the Wildcats as they strive for success in the years ahead.