SAN JOSE, CA — In a stunning development, San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan has officially accepted a head coaching position at a Power Five program, leaving the Spartans scrambling for a replacement just months before the start of the 2025 season.
Brennan, who had been at the helm of San Jose State since 2017, played a crucial role in revitalizing the program. Under his leadership, the Spartans won the Mountain West Championship in 2020 and consistently competed at a high level in the conference. His departure marks a significant turning point for the team, which had been poised to build on its recent success.
Sources indicate that Brennan received an offer too good to refuse from a major conference school, with a multi-year contract and a significant salary increase. While speculation had been circulating for weeks about potential interest from larger programs, few expected him to make the move this late in the offseason.
The news has sent shockwaves through the San Jose State football community, with players, staff, and fans expressing both gratitude for Brennan’s contributions and concern about the program’s future. Many key recruits had committed to the Spartans with the belief that Brennan would remain in charge, and now there is uncertainty about whether those commitments will hold.
San Jose State’s athletic director has announced that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. Interim leadership is expected to be named within the coming days, with offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven and defensive coordinator Derrick Odum rumored to be top internal candidates for the position.
Despite the sudden change, the Spartans will need to regroup quickly. With a challenging season ahead, including high-profile matchups against Oregon and Boise State, the team must find stability fast to maintain its competitiveness in the Mountain West.
Some insiders speculate that Brennan’s departure could trigger a wave of player transfers, particularly among key starters who may seek opportunities at bigger programs. With the college football transfer portal more active than ever, San Jose State must act swiftly to keep its roster intact and prevent a potential collapse.
For now, the Spartans face an uphill battle in recovering from this unexpected blow. While Brennan’s tenure will be remembered as one of the most successful in program history, his abrupt exit leaves San Jose State with more questions than answers as it navigates an uncertain future.