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Arizona Football's Turnaround: How Coach Brennan Built a Winning Team

Tucson, Arizona, USAThursday, January 1, 2026
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Arizona football is on a roll, with a 9-3 record and a top-20 ranking heading into the Holiday Bowl against SMU. But how did they get here? It wasn't just about one person. Coach Brent Brennan made some smart moves that turned things around.

Brennan's Strategic Shift

Brennan didn't suddenly become a football genius. He made one big change in his strategy: being more aggressive on fourth downs. But the real game-changer was the people he brought in. He surrounded himself with a great team.

"Every person in our football program is important. Everybody contributes and is treated with respect."

Key Hires and Promotions

Offensive Coordinator: Seth Doege

  • Smart, confident, and hardworking
  • Helped quarterback Noah Fifita play his best football ever

Defensive Coordinator: Danny Gonzales

  • Promoted from within
  • Turned Arizona's defense into one of the best in the nation

Defensive Line Coach: Joe Salave’a

  • Brought back for his experience
  • Helped the defensive line improve significantly

Learning from Mistakes

Brennan didn't get it right the first time. Last year, he hired some coaches who didn't fit well. He learned from his mistakes and made better choices this time. He also hired smart people in the front office:

  • Gaizka Crowley
  • Fletcher Kelly

Even though they left for other jobs, Brennan replaced them with promising new hires.

The Team Behind the Success

Brennan's success isn't just about him. It's about the team he built. He knows that having the right people in the right jobs is key. He also knows that college football is changing. General managers and recruiting coordinators are becoming more important. Brennan is wise enough to focus on what really matters: building a strong team.

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