Tedy Bruschi revealed on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria in December that he had considered the head coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Arizona, after it had opened up following this past season, saying it was an “intriguing” possibility but that it wasn’t going to happen at that time.
Arizona wound up hiring Patriots quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch instead, but it turns out some seeds were indeed planted, and Bruschi will be joining the Wildcats after all.
The school announced Monday afternoon that Bruschi will be joining Fisch’s staff as a senior advisor to the head coach. It marks a new chapter in Bruschi’s career, as he had spent the last 11 years as an NFL analyst at ESPN.
According to the school’s press release, Bruschi “will serve as a member of the executive football management team while serving as a consultant with the entire football staff. He will also assist the head coach in alumni relations, fundraising, social justice initiatives and student-athlete development off the field.”
Bruschi starred at Arizona from 1992-95 as a key member of the Wildcats’ “Desert Swarm” defense. He was a First Team All-American in 1994 and 1995, the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1995, and the Fiesta Bowl MVP in 1993. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Of course, Bruschi then went on to an excellent NFL career in New England, where he played 13 seasons from 1996-2008 and helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2013.
"I am very excited to re-establish my connection to the Arizona Football program," Bruschi said. "Coach Fisch, and his vision for the program, is the main reason for my new level of involvement. I look forward to assisting Coach Fisch and the program in any way I can as we develop the next generations of Wildcats who are purposeful, resilient and original. Bear Down!"
"Arizona Football just got better today by the addition of another College Football Hall of Famer, New England Patriots Hall of Famer and Arizona Football Ring of Honor member to our staff," said head coach Jedd Fisch. "Tedy Bruschi represents everything we want from our student-athletes. He knows what it takes to do things right on and off the field and has demonstrated success in all facets of life throughout the years. Tedy is a true friend and ally who understands what it takes to win; respect accountability, selflessness, and enthusiasm. Tedy has always been the best at what he does, and this is another opportunity to bring greatness to our entire program. I want to welcome Tedy and his family back to Tucson. It's Personal!"