Brent Brennan’s move to Arizona isn’t just about stepping into the spotlight. He’s coming full circle. After years of paying his dues, he’s returning to where his coaching journey began. The 52-year-old head coach, entering his second season with the Wildcats in 2025 after a challenging 4-8 start, brings the same tenacity that marked his successful seven years at San José State, highlighted by three bowl appearances and the 2020 Mountain West Coach of the Year award.
From learning from Arizona icon Dick Tomey ,to now leading the program in Tucson, Brennan is deeply invested and has deep Wildcat ties to back it up. But let’s not forget that with those big-time results come big-time paychecks. So, what exactly is Brent Brennan’s salary? Let’s examine his contract details and Wildcats’ investment in their program’s new leader.
What is Brent Brennan’s net Worth?
Even before landing the Arizona job, Brent Brennan was quietly building his financial portfolio. Last season, he was the Mountain West’s highest-paid coach, reportedly earning $2.3 million at San Jose State. Over his seven seasons as head coach (2017–2023), Brennan accumulated $8.35 million. Including his time as an SJSU assistant from 2005 to 2010, where he earned around $90K annually, his earnings from the Spartans alone approach $9 million.
That figure doesn’t even factor in his Oregon State tenure, where he added over $1 million coaching wide receivers from 2011 to 2016. All told, Brennan’s career earnings surpass $10 million, before signing his $17.5 million agreement with Arizona. One thing is clear: along with building football programs, he is also substantial wealth.
Now, let’s breakdown his contract at Arizona Wildcats.
Brent Brennan’s Contract Breakdown
Brent Brennan’s contract with Arizona is structured to reward success beyond just his base salary. It includes significant incentives that could dramatically increase his earnings if the Wildcats start winning. A standout feature is a $1 million buyout clause from San Jose State. Additionally, Arizona is investing $4.25 million over five years to fund a competitive assistant coaching staff, a clear indication of their commitment to Brennan’s vision. He’ll also receive a $250,000 retention bonus if he’s still employed and coaching by January 30, 2026.
Credits: Brent Brennan Twitter
However, the performance-based bonuses are particularly lucrative. Brennan can earn $10,000 for eight wins, increasing to $25,000 for eleven wins in a season. A bowl game appearance earns him $50,000, with potential earnings soaring to $400,000 if Arizona wins the national championship, with bonuses cumulative across each playoff round.
Winning in the conference will make things much better for Brent Brennan. Finishing in the top three of the Big 12 earns Brennan $40,000. Reaching the Championship Game nets another $75,000. And winning it adds $150,000 more. On top of that, academic and coaching awards offer further bonuses: $25,000 for Conference COY, $60,000 for AP National COY, and potentially $50,000 for a perfect team APR. If everything goes right, Brennan could see a seven-figure bonus in a single year. Arizona is investing heavily. Now it’s up to Brennan to deliver.
What is Brent Brennan’s Salary?
Brent Brennan’s new contract with Arizona slots him right where Jedd Fisch’s began: $2.2 million in 2024, slightly less than Fisch’s $2.3 million base salary in his first two years. Brennan’s salary, however, is set to increase steadily, reaching $2.4 million in 2025, then $2.6 million, $2.8 million, and finally $3 million by 2028. This gradual increase provides Arizona with financial flexibility while still rewarding Brennan over the long term, assuming he can build the program into a consistent winner.
Brent Brennan’s Career Earnings
Year
Team
Total Earnings
2024
Arizona
$3.1 million
2023
San Jose State
$2.3 million
2022
San Jose State
$1.93 million
2021
San Jose State
$1.5 million
2020
San Jose State
$850k
2019
San Jose State
$599k
2018
San Jose State
$590k
What are the brands endorsed by Brent Brennan?
Brent Brennan is doing more than just winning games. He’s also racking up some lucrative side deals. The Arizona head coach has secured a $200,000 endorsement deal with Nike, and another $200,000 from Learfield, capitalizing on his increased public profile. On top of that, he’s earning a hefty $500,000 for appearances at booster events, speaking engagements, and other promotional activities assigned by the athletic director. That’s a cool $900,000 in “extra compensation” built into his contract.
But with deals is there any investment too that Brennan made?
Brent Brennan’s Investments and Business Ventures
For now, there’s no indication that Brent Brennan is involved in side businesses or personal investments. He seems focused solely on football. There are no real estate ventures, no startup announcements, and no news of any business dealings. For now, his focus is on building a successful program at Arizona with the Wildcats. Perhaps those ventures will come later, but right now, it’s all about the future in Tucson.
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