Arizona Head Coach Brent Brennan

[Chicat]

So those advocating for a change. Give me some names that we can put in front of boosters that will sell them on the change and open their checkbooks. Or is this simply anyone but BB?

Rhett Lashlee
Mike Denbrock
Will Stein

And if money was no object, Chip Kelly or Eliah Drinkwitz.

[TheCat]

Chip Kelly? That's a joke right?

[PHXCATS]

He and the Luke certainly helped spawn the anti Brennan movement.it has become viscous. The comments from the fans on his tweet is tough to read

Yeah how dare they point out what a terrible job he's been doing. No one else would've noticed.

There is a difference between being critical and what 49 is talking about

Critical is fine. What 49 is seeing and talking about isn't

[Chicat]

Chip Kelly? That's a joke right?

What are you allergic to fun?

Chip doesn’t want to be a head coach. I just wanted to make sure you all were still awake out there.

[TheCat]

How about Lincoln Riley? He has lost 12 of his last 15 and USC has about had it.

[Merkin]

FSU would pay UA to take Mike Norvell!

[Captcarnage]

Under Fisch, we could see incremental improvements. yes we were still losing, but the future was looking better. You could see it in recruiting, culture, player development. Those things have regressed in my opinion. Even if we were still losing and those same items were getting better under Brennan, then I think we are having a different discussion.

[pc in NM]

Under Fisch, we could see incremental improvements. yes we were still losing, but the future was looking better. You could see it in recruiting, culture, player development. Those things have regressed in my opinion. Even if we were still losing and those same items were getting better under Brennan, then I think we are having a different discussion.

Face it - Fisch is a really good coach; I think that's especially true in both his evaluation and deployment of talent; unfortunately, he's also a self-serving guy building a career, and took the promotion/pay raise that was too good to refuse. (BTW, I think that most here wouldn't mind if a replacement for Brennan came to us in the same way...)

We were lucky how well Fisch worked out - remember how unpopular his hiring was initially?

And, BTW, it's highly improbable that we'd be that lucky again.

I think we're likely to have to live with Brennan for a while longer, and, while I have no problem with anyone advocating for his removal, I do think that any and all fans should "Bear Down!!!!" and support the team...

...and, I might add, if attending a game, participating in an online chat during the game, or merely discussing the team, cheer them on!!

[Winger]

That's the extent of my point; that there's currently a vacuum in our offensive coaching expertise that's death in modern college football.

Agree completely. This is emblematic of why I was so irritated when Babers and Adkins were hired. A complete failure. What Brennan needed at Arizona was a young and up and coming OC who had a good rep, experience in a successful system, and who was chomping at the bit to prove himself, recruiting included. Needed something similar for DC as well but I could sort of stomach Akina. And it is also a big part of the reason why it's over and Arizona needs to move on asap. I am pissed at the Big 12 for the scheduling screwup of tonight's game but there are going to be about 19 people in the stands I bet. Brennan either couldn't hire a legit staff because no one wants to work for him or, worse, he doesn't know how to hire a legit staff. Either way ...

It's over.

[Merkin]

Under Fisch, we could see incremental improvements. yes we were still losing, but the future was looking better.

Reminded me of Mike Stoops a bit when he started. Arizona was still losing, but at least they showed some pride out there and eventually they started winning. That was truly a lack of talent but they tried and they played hard.

Although Stoops was a terrible head coach and will never become one again.

Don't see any pride at all in this team. Actually, when Fifita said "everyone is against us", felt the opposite. That has to be coming straight from Brennan. Just circle the wagons and the heck with everyone else.

So much for "It's all God's plan" like Fifita said earlier in the season.

Agree completely. This is emblematic of why I was so irritated when Babers and Adkins were hired. A complete failure. What Brennan needed at Arizona was a young and up and coming OC who had a good rep, experience in a successful system, and who was chomping at the bit to prove himself, recruiting included

Someone mentioned Homer Smith earlier. A really good offensive mind, but by the time Tomey hired him he was a little over the hill. Never could get Ortege Jenkins to get back to his original exciting freshmen season form. Just another pedestrian QB at Arizona, and we have had a lot.

[azcat49]

After last night’s dominating victory I think we are being to hard on CBB. The victory sauce is simply having two weeks of prep. Now I get most coaching staff’s only need a week but hey, we all have our issues, just need a little scheduling help

[PHXCATS]

Love seeing the team rally behind him and celebrate him in the locker room

Game was super fun yesterday actually. Everyone there was super into it. No lines for concessions. No line to get in through security. Bathrooms stayed clean all night

Now that can never happen again with 18k or so people at a game but i made the most of it considering the circumstances

[Fishclamps]

Btw whatever people wanna feel about Brennan and the rest of the coaching staff is fine but I am perfectly happy with Akina.

Even decimated by injuries he still dialed up the perfect defense for Houston.

[azcat49]

If CBB is let go it will be traced solely to his decision to hire Babers. I still wonder if he was prompted by a few of the boosters in that choice.

This win will hold off the naysayers for a week but he has to win next week. He is notDRF’s guy and she won’t let him become that.

If he makes it through he has to find that bright, shiny and probably unknown OC in a hurry

[Chicat]

If CBB is let go it will be traced solely to his decision to hire Babers. I still wonder if he was prompted by a few of the boosters in that choice.

This win will hold off the naysayers for a week but he has to win next week. He is notDRF’s guy and she won’t let him become that.

If he makes it through he has to find that bright, shiny and probably unknown OC in a hurry

I think he can win next week and still be fired. I also think he can lose next week and still be retained.

Just my feeling but I think it comes down to the ASU game. If we win, he gets to keep his job.

Whether he keeps it beyond 2025 is very contingent on whether we find a good OC as you said and on what recruiting looks like. If this year’s class sucks and we can’t get anyone to come through the portal, and next year’s offense is shit and the NIL money dries up for the 2026 class of recruits and transfers, he’s going to have to go. There’s no sense in prolonging the misery. Because ain’t shit gonna get better from there. We will just be mired in a vortex of suck.

[ChooChooCat]

If CBB is let go it will be traced solely to his decision to hire Babers. I still wonder if he was prompted by a few of the boosters in that choice.

This win will hold off the naysayers for a week but he has to win next week. He is notDRF’s guy and she won’t let him become that.

If he makes it through he has to find that bright, shiny and probably unknown OC in a hurry

I think he can win next week and still be fired. I also think he can lose next week and still be retained.

Just my feeling but I think it comes down to the ASU game. If we win, he gets to keep his job.

Whether he keeps it beyond 2025 is very contingent on whether we find a good OC as you said and on what recruiting looks like. If this year’s class sucks and we can’t get anyone to come through the portal, and next year’s offense is shit and the NIL money dries up for the 2026 class of recruits and transfers, he’s going to have to go. There’s no sense in prolonging the misery. Because ain’t shit gonna get better from there. We will just be mired in a vortex of suck.

All I know is DRF didn't hit up big money boosters for money to get rid of Brennan, just to keep Brennan if he loses to either TCU/ASU. If I were in charge and I was dead set on firing him I don't let him coach that ASU game. No way in hell.

[Winger]

If Jason is right that DRF is raising money what Arizona did vs Houston and ASU can’t be material I don’t think. There is no way she can walk that far out on to the plank and talk her way back on to the ship. And, if it was me, I’d pull a Humberto/Kinerk and demand action in exchange for my $x mil pledge.

[Winger]

If I were in charge and I was dead set on firing him I don't let him coach that ASU game. No way in hell.

That is a great point.

[PHXCATS]

If I were in charge and I was dead set on firing him I don't let him coach that ASU game. No way in hell.

That is a great point.

I get the point but I don’t know how you potentially fire a coach on a two game winning streak

[Winger]

If I were in charge and I was dead set on firing him I don't let him coach that ASU game. No way in hell.

That is a great point.

I get the point but I don’t know how you potentially fire a coach on a two game winning streak

Whoops misunderstood. You were saying it’d be tough to fire him after UH and TCU wins. It might be. But its a win vs ASU that you probably can’t take the chance of.

[azcat49]

Not sure who we get for a 3.5m gig. Would have to be some coordinator or G5 coach (or FCS). Those boosters have to at some point feel like they are an ATM and are being over used.

Wasn’t there another program that went to its boosters and had the money and then the AD got gun shy and then the whole thing blew up the next year costing both of them their job and alienating those boosters?

[Chicat]

If CBB is let go it will be traced solely to his decision to hire Babers. I still wonder if he was prompted by a few of the boosters in that choice.

This win will hold off the naysayers for a week but he has to win next week. He is notDRF’s guy and she won’t let him become that.

If he makes it through he has to find that bright, shiny and probably unknown OC in a hurry

I think he can win next week and still be fired. I also think he can lose next week and still be retained.

Just my feeling but I think it comes down to the ASU game. If we win, he gets to keep his job.

Whether he keeps it beyond 2025 is very contingent on whether we find a good OC as you said and on what recruiting looks like. If this year’s class sucks and we can’t get anyone to come through the portal, and next year’s offense is shit and the NIL money dries up for the 2026 class of recruits and transfers, he’s going to have to go. There’s no sense in prolonging the misery. Because ain’t shit gonna get better from there. We will just be mired in a vortex of suck.

All I know is DRF didn't hit up big money boosters for money to get rid of Brennan, just to keep Brennan if he loses to either TCU/ASU. If I were in charge and I was dead set on firing him I don't let him coach that ASU game. No way in hell.

I agree it may be Akina who coaches the ASU game, especially if TCU torches us in spectacular fashion. If we show some fight though I wonder if DRF tells the boosters to hold on to their wallets for a little while longer and maybe throw it at the kids instead.

[TheCatInTheHat]

I think it's important to understand just how much the college sports world has flipped upside down. With NIL and the transfer portal, it's no longer the traditional model of hiring a coach based on what you think he may eventually be able to build up to "someday" and try to sell that promise on credit to fans. This is about paid professional athletes who often jump schools multiple times. It's TV content and TV revenue driven, and if there are few fans attending, they just crop the picture to only show the field. So, the hiring is made by a consortium of the school and donors, and it's about win now or else, because circumstances can change too fast in the current situation to wait. So, it's both adversity and opportunity for all parties. But any worries about media backlash or chaining yourself to old conventions versus quick action isn't playing to win. If Brennan can win three in a row and go bowling, I think he has to get another year. But he just won by changing up both the offense and defense in a bye week against a mediocre Houston team with a somewhat one-dimensional QB. The roadie at TCU is a different story. Lose that to clinch a losing and non-bowl season, and even if he beats ASU, I'll point out that Mackovic did that (on the road) in his first year.

[AZCatGirl]

What could have been...

[Merkin]

Lots of calls here for him after Sumlin was fired. I actually like the trip[p]le option. But then again, I was a fan of the Nebraska Wishbone offense too.

Cal Poly used to run the triple option. Kept them close in some games against much bigger and stronger teams since they hardly see it. Last Poly game I went to the only pass in the first half was the very last play. If you get 4 yards and a cloud of dust every play why pass?

Although don't think Niumatalolo is running the triple option at SJSU. Their #1 WR has the most receptions in the nation, or had last time I looked. Now why couldn't Brennan bring him?

[Winger]

ASU 21
KSU 0

Maybe the ninja move for DRF is to allow Brennan to coach vs the Devils knowing we’re going to get smoked.

[ChooChooCat]

ASU 21
KSU 0

Maybe the ninja move for DRF is to allow Brennan to coach vs the Devils knowing we’re going to get smoked.

Everything points to ASU steamrolling us regardless who coaches, but if you want to fire him you just can’t take the risk he pulls off a miracle.

[ChooChooCat]

Let’s keep bragging about that recruiting class guys. This is just the beginning by the way.

Are you that clueless???

You do realize he's decommitting to a Power 2 conference school (SEC) with about 10x the NIL$$$$$$$$ we have????

This kid was going to decommit the moment A&M showed him the money.....REGARDLESS of who the UA coach was or will be.

We are living in a different world, College football is now Semi-Pro leagues. If you have the money you can compete for talent. If you don't you wind up with MWC talent.

He's committing to TCU today. A Big12 rival. So much for me being clueless. For the record this is a really good kid and if Arizona remotely looked like it was capable of utilizing him or his talent he would've stayed committed, but alas...

[dmjcat]

I think it's important to understand just how much the college sports world has flipped upside down. With NIL and the transfer portal, it's no longer the traditional model of hiring a coach based on what you think he may eventually be able to build up to "someday" and try to sell that promise on credit to fans. This is about paid professional athletes who often jump schools multiple times. It's TV content and TV revenue driven, and if there are few fans attending, they just crop the picture to only show the field. So, the hiring is made by a consortium of the school and donors, and it's about win now or else, because circumstances can change too fast in the current situation to wait. So, it's both adversity and opportunity for all parties. But any worries about media backlash or chaining yourself to old conventions versus quick action isn't playing to win. If Brennan can win three in a row and go bowling, I think he has to get another year. But he just won by changing up both the offense and defense in a bye week against a mediocre Houston team with a somewhat one-dimensional QB. The roadie at TCU is a different story. Lose that to clinch a losing and non-bowl season, and even if he beats ASU, I'll point out that Mackovic did that (on the road) in his first year.

Agree completely, and I would add that the new College football Pro Sports model is even more transactional than the NFL. In the NFL the bottom team at least gets the 1st pick in the NFL draft. There is no draft in college football, the best players get to choose whomever coughs up the most NIL$$$$. A quick glance at the 2024 recruiting rankings shows that the monied power conference schools finished on top........Oregon with Daddy $NIL$ Phil Knight and his $55 billion finished 3rd nationally in recruiting. The UA, with not so much NIL and reeling from Fisch leaving, finished 84th. Unfortunately, this isn't going to get much better for the UA, regardless of who the coach is. The #1 selling point now for all of the top recruits is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

https://247sports.com/Season/2024-Footb ... mRankings/

[wyo-cat]

What could have been...

SJSU lost the game.

[Carcassdragger]

I listen to a Show called "Full Ride" on XM sports. This morning Rick Neuheisel was relating how much money players are being paid and threw a figure out of 10 million for a good QB.

If this continues unabated, we're done even hoping to compete. I'm thinking there has to be some kind of profit sharing and attempts to level the field in order for college football to have a future with the kind of popularity it has now.

[Chicat]

Did he say how many QBs he thinks are getting paid that much? I can see if it was 5. I’d say if it was 15 you probably have seven to ten schools not getting their money’s worth. I doubt it’s more than twenty, but who knows? It might only be a few.

[dmjcat]

I listen to a Show called "Full Ride" on XM sports. This morning Rick Neuheisel was relating how much money players are being paid and threw a figure out of 10 million for a good QB.

If this continues unabated, we're done even hoping to compete. I'm thinking there has to be some kind of profit sharing and attempts to level the field in order for college football to have a future with the kind of popularity it has now.

I agree with your assessment (and have been saying it for some time). I am also afraid that this unregulated Wild Wild West of $NIL$ will sooner or later begin to hurt the basketball program (if it hasn't already). Without sufficient NIL to compete with the have-nots (UA) are going to fade away. I would not be shocked if we begin to see less competitive colleges drop football altogether somewhere in the near future (5-10 years).

The only hope I cling to is for Congress to intervene, but I'm not holding out much hope. The Senators/Congressmen that represent the B1G/SEC portions of the country are not going to sign off on anything that upsets their stranglehold on college football.

[CalStateTempe]

Guys if there’s anything living in this country has taught me in my adult lifetime, it’s that congressional oversight would be “socialism”.

[azgreg]

Congressional oversight isn't Socialism.

[CalStateTempe]

Sure it is…why should the big gobermint have to come in and tell poor colleges what to do. Let the freeeeeee market decide.

[CalStateTempe]

The above two posts are sarcasm Greg. I agree with you

[Carcassdragger]

I'm glad players are getting compensated.

Looking at the NFL model, once they started profit sharing with salary caps, parity became a reality and the quality of their product soared. Now, almost any team can win on Sundays.

[CalStateTempe]

I'm glad players are getting compensated.

Looking at the NFL model, once they started profit sharing with salary caps, parity became a reality and the quality of their product soared. Now, almost any team can win on Sundays.

So so socialist.

[CalStateTempe]

You think the ‘SC, much, tOSU, ND, etc etc are gonna agree to profit sharing?

Pass me some of what your smoking…

[dmjcat]

You think the ‘SC, much, tOSU, ND, etc etc are gonna agree to profit sharing?

Pass me some of what your smoking…

No, I suspect that the Big 2 conferences will never agree to profit sharing, and I don't think that there is much hope of getting a law through Congress to force it. As a result I am very skeptical of the future of AZ football, and unfortunately, AZ basketball. The UA doesn't command TV ratings that will ever make it attractive to the Big 2, and they don't have an alumni or fanbase that can afford to subsidize the football/basketball programs to the tune of $25 million/year (or in that neighborhood) to make them competitive in the NIL world.

Sucks to be us.

[CalStateTempe]

Cool…cause I needed more reasons to care less about college sports in my curmudgeonly middle age.

And so it goes….

[Postmaster]

The NFL only has to support 32 (30) teams.
I've never understood how teams in same conference can operate with a disparity in resources. Sports leagues aren't really a group of competitors they are more like several divisions within a company. The teams need each other to have a product.
I see this turning into a few dozen teams in a league and the rest of the schools revering back to conferences that provide a set amount of money but have a much lower talent level.

[Postmaster]

Anyone else see the Mike McCarthy meme with him in U of A gear?
It made me chuckle.