PHOENIX – After an exclusive interview with the University of Arizona Wildcats football head Coach Brent Brennan, it’s obvious how much he cares about the players past and present as he spoke highly of former Wildcats Tetairoa McMillan and Jonah Savaiinaea at the iconic UofA bar, “Dirtbags”, and their new location in Phoenix, Arizona in the Arcadia area.
EXCLUSIVE: @ArizonaFBall head coach Brent Brennan (@CoachBrennan) spoke about Tetairoa McMillan and Jonah Savaiinaea getting drafted, and how their talents will translate perfectly in the highest levels in the NFL!
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Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Coach Brennan had nothing but praise when talking about Tetairoa McMillan and Jonah Savaiinaea. It was very insightful hearing their former coach analyze how truly gifted and special T-Mac will be at the next level. Brennan’s eyes grew describing McMillan as, “a very, very rare combination of size, speed, athleticism.” It’s no surprise that he is just as excited as everybody else to see what he can bring to the next level.
Aug 31, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcat head coach Brent Brennan interacts with fans as he walks down the Wildcat Walk before a game against the New Mexico Lobos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports
The Univerist of Arizona football head coach brought up how special Jonah Savaiinaea is, as Coach Brennan detailed stories of how, “Big Jonah”, was willing to do whatever it took to help the team. Describing exactly the type of player the Miami Dolphins are getting, he mentioned how Savaiinaea is, “going to be team first all the time, a great human being who is a super hard worker.”
Aug 31, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan walks off bus at the Wildcat Walk before the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports
Tetairoa McMillian was drafted eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL Draft this season. He was touted as one of the highest-rated wide receivers in this year’s draft. The Miami Dolphins also traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to take Jonah Saavaiinaea with the 37th pick, an early second-round pick.
Coach Brennan truly has the utmost respect for the hard work and leadership they have shown at the University of Arizona and only imagines success in both of their futures at the highest levels.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
