Arizona has officially appointed Brent Brennan, formerly at San Jose State, as the Wildcats’ new football coach, marking a significant move for the program.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, confirms Brennan’s hiring with a five-year deal, as revealed by a reliable source.
Brennan, concluding his seventh season as San Jose State’s head coach, returns to Arizona after being a finalist for the coaching position in 2020, ultimately filled by Jedd Fisch. With Fisch’s recent move to replace Kalen DeBoer at Washington, Arizona sought a leader to guide the team, and Brennan emerged as the chosen candidate.
At 50 years old, Brennan brings a wealth of coaching experience, having steered San Jose State to a commendable 26-19 record over the last four seasons, inclusive of three bowl appearances. His ties with Arizona date back to 2000 when he served as a graduate assistant in Dick Tomey’s final season. Notably, Tomey, Arizona’s all-time wins leader with 95, left an indelible mark on Brennan’s coaching journey.
Before his stint at San Jose State, Brennan held coaching roles at Oregon State under Mike Riley and Gary Andersen. Notably, he coached Brandin Cooks, the 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner, showcasing his ability to mentor top-tier talent.
Brennan’s football journey began at UCLA, where he played, and he kicked off his coaching career as a high school assistant in Woodside, California. His diverse background in both playing and coaching positions adds a valuable perspective to his new role with the Arizona Wildcats.
As Arizona aims for a fresh chapter under Brennan’s guidance, the Wildcats’ faithful can anticipate an exciting era with a coach who brings a blend of experience, success, and a connection to the program’s history.