The Arizona Wildcats hired Tedy Bruschi as a senior advisor to head coach Jedd Fisch on Monday, bringing home the greatest defensive player in school history. (You can read more about his role here.)
The move is already generating local and national buzz among fans, media and football personnel alike.
Here are some of the reactions. More will be added as they roll in.
The wearer of the best facemask in the game returns to college football. https://t.co/RcWpv7gB3F
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 1, 2021
Should be very helpful to Jedd Fisch. https://t.co/EWbyLiUXkq
— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) February 1, 2021
Happy for @TedyBruschi — great guy who’s been a great teammate at ESPN. Awesome move for him. https://t.co/V9hkCbd1Gw
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) February 1, 2021
Wow! @TedyBruschi joining @CoachJeddFisch's staff at Arizona. https://t.co/QMofzVz0LF
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 1, 2021
Jedd Fisch has done quite a job rallying key folks since getting the Arizona job. As I wrote here, Tedy Bruschi became a big believer early on after getting to know him and hearing his vision: https://t.co/u6DFLCwYij https://t.co/do2rohuNVu
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 1, 2021
We can officially say that Fisch's claims of wanting to reach out to the alumni is waaaay more than lip service. Now, will ESPN give UA the love they give Herm and ASU? https://t.co/Eoh5kAONKF
— Brad Allis (@WSRBrad) February 1, 2021
Anyone in that 2012 team meeting room that @TedyBruschi lit on fire knows first hand how big of a deal this is. #footballtruth https://t.co/vbbdANFFYw
— Jake Smith (@iKicked_) February 1, 2021
Arizona fans wanted UA ties on Jedd Fisch's staff...
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) February 1, 2021
- Tedy Bruschi, senior advisor to the head coach
- Ricky Hunley, defensive line
- Chuck Cecil, safeties
- Brandon Sanders, coordinator of football alumni & HS relations
Some of the best defensive players in UA history pic.twitter.com/CylF3zjkJK
Tedy Bruschi. Brandon Sanders. Ricky Hunley. Chuck Cecil.
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleAZ) February 1, 2021
If I asked you, "Who are the four best defensive players in Arizona Wildcats history?" at least three of these guys, if not all four, would likely come to mind. And they're all on Jedd Fisch's staff.
Having Tedy Bruschi attached to the coaching staff and program, even in a minor way, is big for the Wildcats.
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) February 1, 2021
It’s another important hire for Jedd Fisch in helping connect his program to the past while also adding national relevance with someone like Bruschi.
Just for clarification: Tedy Bruschi will remain with ESPN in his current role as an NFL analyst. His new job with @ArizonaFBall is part time. Still, it's a boon for the program. Bruschi is one of the Wildcats' all-time greats. Anything he can contribute to the program is a plus.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) February 1, 2021
TEDDY BRUSCHI‼️
— ™ (@Jamaryejoiner) February 1, 2021
This is the move I’ve been waiting for since he hung his cleats up!!!
— Coach Nick Farman (@NickFarman2) February 1, 2021
If I’m a west coast LB, I’m doing everything to impress this man.
Such an amazing hire, my faith in the program is definitely restored.
Watch out P5’s, the PAC has made some amazing moves these last 2 years https://t.co/oEUiZ18iSZ
A fantastic hire. Ted's presence adds to the dimension brought by Chuck, Brandon, and Ricky. In that role, he can help knit the pieces together and bring old-time solidarity back among alumni. The program has been crying for this for a long time.
— Bob Bunting (@RV30B) February 1, 2021
Wow! Great stuff. I gotta say I was not happy with the hire initially, but man no one can say Fisch doesn’t get importance of the legacy of the program and welcoming these legends back.
— Chris Colwell (@ChrisX666) February 1, 2021