Arizona Football Announces Brent Brennan as New Head Coach

In a move that signifies a new era for Arizona Football, University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke proudly unveiled Brent Brennan as the program’s next Head Coach, pending approval from the Arizona Board of Regents. Coach Brennan brings with him a wealth of experience, a winning legacy, and a deep connection to the University of Arizona, promising to usher in an exciting chapter for Wildcat football.

A Leader with a Winning Legacy

Coach Brennan’s appointment marks a significant moment for Arizona Football. Recognized as an exceptional leader with a proven track record of championship success, Coach Brennan has consistently demonstrated his ability to elevate programs on and off the field. His expertise in recruiting, player development, and fostering a winning culture makes him the ideal choice to lead the Wildcats into the future.

Deep Ties to Arizona Football

Coach Brennan’s connection to Arizona Football runs deep. He served as a graduate assistant under legendary Head Coach Dick Tomey in 2000, and later returned to Tucson as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2009. His strong ties to the university, coupled with his profound appreciation for the program’s rich legacy under Coach Tomey, make him uniquely positioned to continue the upward trajectory of Arizona Football.

Success at San José State

Coach Brennan’s accomplishments at San José State University stand as a testament to his exceptional leadership abilities. During his seven-year tenure, he steered the Spartans to three bowl game appearances, a remarkable feat that no previous head coach in SJSU history had achieved. His ability to inspire his players and instill a winning mentality resulted in back-to-back winning seasons in 2022 and 2023, a first for the Spartans since 1991-92.

Developing All-Americans and Professional Players

Coach Brennan’s coaching prowess extends beyond his success on the field. He has a proven track record of developing exceptional talent, evidenced by the five All-Americans and 19 Professional Football players he has helped nurture and guide. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous standout players, including six who have enjoyed distinguished NFL careers spanning five or more seasons.

A Strong Finish to the 2023 Season

Coach Brennan’s leadership shone brightly during the 2023 season at San José State. The Spartans displayed remarkable resilience, winning six consecutive conference games to close out the regular season and secure a bowl berth. This impressive run was fueled by an explosive offense, averaging over 38 points per game, and a stout defense, holding opponents to a meager 17.8 points per game. The team’s commitment to ball security, with only 10 turnovers, was a key factor in their success.

Excited to Return to Arizona

Coach Brennan expressed his heartfelt enthusiasm for returning to the University of Arizona. He recognized the special significance of the university to his family and his coaching career, having started his journey as a coach under the tutelage of Coach Tomey. He eagerly anticipates meeting the players, families, fans, alumni, and supporters, and is committed to building upon the success the team has achieved.

Bowl Game Success

Coach Brennan has extensive experience in bowl games, having been part of nine teams that reached this prestigious stage, including the last two years at San José State. The highlight of his tenure at SJSU was the remarkable 7-1 campaign in 2020, which secured the Spartans their first Mountain West Conference championship and their first outright conference championship since 1990.

Continued Success in the Mountain West

Since that impressive 2020 season, Coach Brennan has maintained a high level of competitiveness within the Mountain West Conference. Under his leadership, the Spartans posted a 20-10 record against conference opponents and a 26-19 overall record, demonstrating his ability to consistently field a formidable team.

Learning from Dick Tomey

Coach Brennan had the privilege of learning from one of the most iconic figures in Arizona Football history, Dick Tomey. He worked alongside Coach Tomey as a graduate assistant at Arizona and later as an assistant coach at San José State. This invaluable mentorship has deeply influenced Coach Brennan’s coaching philosophy and approach to building a successful program.

Offensive Expertise

Coach Brennan’s background as a wide receiver during his playing days has shaped his exceptional offensive acumen. He is renowned for his ability to develop dynamic passing attacks and groom talented receivers. Players recruited and coached by Coach Brennan have left an indelible mark on the San José State receiving record books. His time at Oregon State from 2011 to 2015 further solidified his reputation as an offensive mastermind, as he mentored numerous standout players, including 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks.

Coaching Experience at Various Levels

Coach Brennan’s coaching journey spans various levels of football, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the game. Prior to his second stint at San José State, he spent six seasons coaching wide receivers at Oregon State, where he was instrumental in shaping one of the most prolific passing attacks in the country. He also gained valuable experience at Cal Poly from 2001 to 2004 and began his coaching career at Woodside High School in California. His diverse coaching background has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective and a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the sport.

Playing Career and Education

Coach Brennan’s playing career spanned five seasons at UCLA, where he showcased his skills as a wide receiver. He earned a degree in history from UCLA in 1996, setting the stage for his successful coaching career.

Family

Coach Brennan and his wife Courtney share the joy of raising two daughters, Blake and Casey, and a son, Scott. Their family’s unwavering support has been a constant source of strength and inspiration throughout his coaching journey.

Brent Brennan Coaching History

Coach Brennan’s extensive coaching history includes:

1996-97: Woodside (CA) High School, assistant coach
1998: University of Hawai’i, graduate assistant
1999: University of Washington, graduate assistant
2000: University of Arizona, graduate assistant
2001-04: Cal Poly, assistant coach
2005-06: San José State University, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator
2007-08: San José State University, tight ends coach/special teams coordinator
2009: San José State University, offensive tackles & tight ends coach/special teams coordinator
2010: San José State University, wide receivers coach
2011-15: Oregon State University, wide receivers coach
2016: Oregon State University, outside wide receivers coach
2017-23: San José State University, head coach
2024 – present: University of Arizona, head coach

Brent Brennan Bowl History

Coach Brennan has a rich history of bowl game appearances:

2023 Hawai’i Bowl (head coach)
2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (head coach)
2020 Offerpad Arizona Bowl (head coach)
2013 Hawai’i Bowl (assistant coach)
2012 Alamo Bowl (assistant coach)
2006 New Mexico Bowl (assistant coach)
1998 Holiday Bowl (graduate assistant)
1993 Rose Bowl (player)
1991 Sun Bowl (player)

Brent Brennan Career Highlights

Coach Brennan’s remarkable career is marked by numerous achievements:

Led San José State to three bowl game appearances in a four-year span, the first head coach in SJSU history to accomplish this feat
Guided SJSU to back-to-back winning seasons in 2022 and 2023, the first time this had been achieved by the Spartans since 1991-92
Earned the 2020 Mountain West Coach of the Year award after leading SJSU to a 7-1 record and the school’s first outright conference championship since 1990
Coached five All-Americans and 19 Professional Football players, including six who enjoyed NFL careers of five-plus seasons
Led SJSU to a 20-10 record against Mountain West competition and a 26-19 overall record during his tenure as head coach
Has been part of nine teams that reached bowl games, including each of the last two years at San José State
Learned from legendary Arizona head coach Dick Tomey, the winningest coach in program history, during two stints as an assistant coach at Arizona and San José State
Is regarded as an exceptional offensive mind, having coached numerous standout wide receivers, including 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks
Has a diverse coaching background, having held positions at various levels, including high school, junior college, and FBS
Played five seasons as a wide receiver at UCLA, lettering as part of the Bruins 1993 Rose Bowl team

Conclusion

The appointment of Brent Brennan as the new Head Football Coach at the University of Arizona marks an exciting chapter in the program’s history. His proven leadership, exceptional coaching acumen, and deep ties to Arizona Football make him ideally suited to guide the Wildcats to new heights. With his commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication, Coach Brennan is poised to build a championship-caliber program that will be a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Wildcat community.