Brennan, who most recently oversaw receivers at Oregon State University, will take on the task of trying to lead the Spartans back to a bowl game. He replaces Ron Caragher, who was fired in November after finishing with a dismal 19-30 record over four seasons.

Brennan, 43, will definitely have his work cut out for him. He becomes SJSU’s fourth head coach in the last nine years, and the Spartans ended this season 4-8. His experience with the program, however, should help him.

From 2005 to 2010, Brennan served in multiple roles under former SJSU coach Mike MacIntyre, who got the Spartans into the Top 25 rankings before departing in 2012 for the University of Colorado. During his first stint with SJSU, Brennan held the roles that included offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator. A Peninsula native, Brennan’s father also played tight end for the Spartans during the 1960s.

“We are thrilled to have Brent back at San Jose State,” said Gene Bleymaier, director of athletics at San Jose State. “He is an exceptional football coach and one of the most respected recruiters in the country. His coaching background and ties to San Jose State make Brent a perfect fit.”

Brennan’s recruiting chops and ability to develop talent are well documented. At Oregon State, he helped turn wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton into All-Americans before both moved on to the NFL. Having worked with a player like Cooks, who was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, could help him lure more playmakers into Spartans jerseys.

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