Dec. 8, 2016
Press Conference Replay
Photo Gallery
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Brent Brennan was introduced as the new San José State University head football coach by San José State University president Dr. Mary Papazian and director of athletics Gene Bleymaier at a press conference on Thursday.
Before a packed room at the Diaz Compean Student Union on the SJSU campus, the three were greeted to a thunderous applause from those in attendance. The new head football coach fed off the energy from the crowd and raised his arms before the flashing the `Spartan Up' sign to signal the start of the press conference.
"To the Spartan nation. We need you to join the fight. Buy tickets, get involved. Lets go! That's what makes me so excited about being here. I see the potential for this place. But I also know that I need more people to join to see that potential and choose what we are trying to do. Get off the bench and get in the game," said Brennan passionately.
Dr. Papazian and Bleymaier expressed their excitement for the future of the Spartan football program, welcoming home the Bay Area native.
"We are welcoming more than a dynamic new coach. Brent is a tireless worker, fierce competitor and a great motivator. He knows what it takes to succeed," said Papazian.
He is committed to a set of values that will guide him as he leads our football program. Brent truly is a teacher at heart. He will ensure that they prosper as students and as members of the community," said the president.
Dr. Papazian also touched upon Brennan's family connection to the university where both of his parents attended and met at San José State with his mother, Beth, in attendance.
Bleymaier introduced the rest of the Brennan family who were seated in the front row before talking about the coaching search that included interests from 75 individuals from all ranks.
"There really was an unbelievable amount of interest in this job from all over the country from the NFL and college. We sought recommendations and comments from dozens of coaches at every level. There was one familiar theme in all the responses when I asked them about Brent Brennan. The first thing everyone said without hesitation is, `great recruiter. A GREAT recruiter,'" said Bleymaier.
Bleymaier was drawn to Brennan's readiness for the head coaching position along with his love of San José State, a place he coached as an assistant during the 2005 through 2010 seasons.
Wearing a Spartan gold, white and blue tie, the new San José State University head football coach took the podium last. He thanked his family who sat in the front row.
"We are coming home. This is where it all started," beamed Brennan as he looked at his family.
Brennan thanked his former coaches, players, friends, Dr.Papazian, Bleymaier and the coaching search committee for the opportunity and guidance.
The 43-year old head coach who was raised in nearby Redwood City talked about how he has been preparing for the head coaching job his whole life. He expressed his appreciation for the unique opportunity to lead a hometown team. An opportunity he hopes to seize with goals of building a culture founded on accountability and toughness and to help the student-athletes grow athletically, academically and socially.
Brennan closed out the press conference the same way he started, with a `Spartan Up' sign before taking questions from the media.
For 2017 San José State football season tickets, click here.)