Mike Nesbitt, formerly the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Houston Christian, is set to join Brent Brennan’s staff at Arizona as a special teams analyst. That’s a pretty significant move in the college football coaching world.
Nesbitt has a long history in coaching, especially at the NAIA level. He brings a mix of experience and success to the Wildcats.
His journey is a bit wild—he built a program from scratch at Ottawa University Arizona, and now he’s stepping into a role at a major college football program. That kind of leap says a lot about his coaching skills and willingness to adapt.
Mike Nesbitt’s Early Coaching Career
Nesbitt’s career started out modestly, but he made an impact fast. He began as the quarterbacks and receivers coach at West Texas A&M.
He quickly showed he could develop talent and run an offense. After a while, he became the offensive coordinator there, which really set the stage for what came next.
Building Ottawa University Arizona from Scratch
In 2017, Nesbitt took on the huge challenge of building the Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) football program from nothing. He already had head coaching experience, with a 25-17 record over four seasons at West Texas A&M.
That made him a pretty natural fit for the job. His leadership paid off—OUAZ went 7-4 in their very first season, which is kind of remarkable for a brand-new team.
Immediate Success in the Sooner Athletic Conference
OUAZ, under Nesbitt, didn’t waste any time making noise in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Just their second season in, they won the conference championship and grabbed a spot in the NAIA playoffs.
Sure, they got bounced in the first round, but for a team that new, it’s a big deal.
Continued Excellence and Conference Titles
Nesbitt kept OUAZ rolling. The team won conference titles in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
That’s a pretty solid run, and it really established OUAZ as a powerhouse in the NAIA.
Transition to Houston Christian
After stepping away from OUAZ in 2024 with an impressive 51-14 record, Nesbitt moved up to the FCS level. He took on the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach role at Houston Christian.
His time there was short but made an impact. He showed, once again, that he can adapt and get results at different levels.
Joining Brent Brennan’s Staff at Arizona
Now, Nesbitt’s got a new gig—he’s joining Brent Brennan’s staff at Arizona as a special teams analyst. He’ll be working closely with the specialists, bringing a ton of knowledge to the Wildcats’ special teams unit.
Brennan, entering his third season as Arizona’s head coach, already has some momentum going. Arizona had a breakout 9-4 campaign last fall, which has to help the vibe around the program.
Brent Brennan’s Impact at Arizona
Brennan’s been a real difference-maker for Arizona football. His first year in 2024 was rough—the team finished 4-8.
But then he turned things around in a hurry, leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 record in his second season. Before Arizona, he did good work at San Jose State, winning 14 games in his last two years with the Spartans.
Collaboration with Craig Naivar
At Arizona, Nesbitt will team up with special teams coordinator Craig Naivar. Naivar brings his own experience, having served as defensive coordinator at Coastal Carolina in 2023 and 2024.
He and Nesbitt will work together to boost Arizona’s special teams. There’s some real potential for new ideas and improvements with those two on staff.
Nesbitt’s Regional Ties and Broader Impact
Nesbitt’s coaching path has taken him all over the region. Besides West Texas A&M and Houston Christian, he’s coached at Blinn College, Stephen F. Austin, Houston, and Howard Payne.
All those stops have given him a strong sense of the regional football scene. That background should serve him well as he settles into his new role at Arizona.
Looking Ahead
Mike Nesbitt’s joining the Arizona staff is pretty big news for the Wildcats. He brings a long history of coaching and a knack for building solid programs.
Honestly, his special teams expertise could really shake things up for Brent Brennan’s crew. With Nesbitt and Naivar working together, Arizona’s special teams might just get that extra edge everyone’s hoping for.
Curious for more on Nesbitt’s move? Check out the details at FootballScoop.
Stick around here for updates and a few takes on whatever’s happening in college football next.
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