NFL
By: Brock Vierra
When Jedd Fisch decided to leave Tucson for Seattle, many Wildcat fans were left in a state of shock. Fisch led Arizona from the pits of death to the #11th ranking in the nation and a 10-win season. With a move to the Big 12 on the horizon and a phenomenal roster, Arizona looked to be in prime position for a CFP spot in 2024. However, Fisch is gone and so is a majority of his staff. Fisch and five of his assistants including OC Brennan Carroll went to Washington as DC Johnny Nansen and secondary coach Duane Akina had already left for Texas.
Left to rebuild what should’ve been an offseason of promise, Arizona hired San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan to lead the Wildcats to new heights. Brennan, a former GA at Arizona under the legendary Dick Tomey, is accustomed to witnessing what a winning formula at Arizona looks like. One of the few men to find success at SJSU, Brennan lead the Spartans to their first-ever Mountain West title in program history and their first conference title since 1991.
Brennan also owns one of SJSU’s two seasons in which they finished in the top 25 and he also owns SJSU’s only win over an SEC opponent. He’s also the only head coach in SJSU history to have multiple winning seasons since the Spartans left the Big West conference.
Brennan is a proven winner, a coach who has won at a place with geographical and economic obstacles, and a coach who understands the needs of the Arizona Wildcat program. Here’s why he will succeed at Arizona and who he should hire for his staff.
Brennan will lead Arizona to the CFP
Now first thing first, Brennan must keep Arizona’s superstars at home. I’m sure many automatically assumed QB Noah Fifita and WR Tetairoa McMillian would follow Fisch to Washington but multiple sources are claiming both players are keen to stay in Tucson. That would be huge and Brennan needs to seal the deal. WR coach Kevin Cummings is alleged to be the key reason why and Brennan should reward him for it. Cummings worked under Brennan at SJSU for three years so there’s already a relationship there and at 33 years of age, Cummings is a interesting prospect to keep an eye on. He should get a bump to Co-OC/ WR coach.
Despite an odd and challenging end to the 2024 season where Arizona plays four road games, there’s still a lot of promise in the air for the Wildcats. Brennan’s teams at SJSU have always had a solid offense, an efficient rushing attack and a system in which Nick Starkel and Chevan Cordeiro both transferred into and excelled in. Brennan also develops defensive players well as evident with three time first team All-Mountain West selection and 2022 Mountain West Defensive player of the year Viliami Fehoko who was drafted in the fourth round to the Cowboys.
Brennan is a excellent teacher, really good game manager and his ability to develop a relationship with his players and his coaches is elite. I also have heard stories of Brennan putting in time blocks strictly meant for family time for his staff, displaying a proper work-life balance. Brennan will have Arizona rolling.
Let’s talk coordinators
When it comes to hiring an offensive and defensive coordinator, Brennan and Arizona will have to deal with some shortfalls in the financial department. On the offensive side of the ball, Arizona needs someone who is able to understand QB play, passing concepts and how to exploit defenses. I think Brennan should hire former Washington State and Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich. Rolovich was fired from Washington State for his refusal on taking the COVID vaccine, nothing performance related. Rolovich was the Seattle Sea Dragons OC before the team folded.
Rolovich employed a modernized version of the Run N Shoot offense that actually beat Arizona back in 2019. His offense produces offensive efficiency, 1000 yard pass catchers and natural running lanes for ball carriers. His offense helped QB Cole McDonald get drafted, won former Arizona QB Jayden De Laura Mountain West offensive freshman of the year when he was in Washington State and groomed Cordeiro before Cordeiro led SJSU to two winning seasons and two bowl appearances.
On the defensive side of the ball, Arizona needs a coach that matches Nansen’s creativity. I suggest Rocky Long. The long time New Mexico and San Diego State head coach is familiar with the region though his years of recruiting it, his 3-3-5 defense is as creative and disruptive as ever and Long understands how to put QBs under pressure through a variety of blitzes and coverages. Long has qualified for 14 different bowl games and he has three Mountain West titles.
Brennan will be successful but he will need time and patience. He’s a loyal coach who does things the right way. Trust in him and the Wildcats will light up scoreboards again.
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