Arizona Is Better Off Without Jedd Fisch

When Jedd Fisch packed his bags for Washington in January 2024, it was easy to feel the heartbreak in Tucson. Fisch had just resurrected the Arizona program, capping off a memorable 10-3 season with an Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma. He had spent months preaching loyalty to Arizona, only to bolt to Seattle the moment Kalen DeBoer left Washington for Alabama. Arizona fans felt abandoned, blindsided, and disappointed.

Fast forward to the midway point of the 2026 season, and everything has flipped. Arizona isn’t just surviving without Jedd Fisch – they are significantly better off.

A Tale of Two Directions

Six games into the 2026 season, Arizona and Washington are moving in opposite directions. Behind third-year head coach Brent Brennan, Arizona is rolling at 5-1 and 2-1 in the Big 12. Anchored by the steady leadership of veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, the Wildcats have positioned themselves nicely in the conference championship race. Tucson is once again excited, and Brennan has re-built a winning culture after a somewhat rocky start.

Meanwhile, up in Seattle, the Jedd Fisch era is rapidly dissolving into a massive disappointment. The Huskies sit at 3-3 overall and an embarrassing 0-3 in Big Ten play. After dropping games against Minnesota, USC, and a blowout 41-24 loss to Iowa at home on Friday night, the program’s direction is being questioned.

Despite boasting about “building” the program rather than “buying” it during the off-season, Washington has struggled against every FBS opponent it has faced. What began as a preseason No. 16 ranking and with College Football Playoff dark-horse aspirations has quickly devolved into an uphill battle just to reach bowl eligibility.

The Eye on the Next Best Thing

Even after signing a seven-year, $54 million contract with Washington, Fisch’s name almost immediately found its way back into the coaching carousel rumors.

Following the 2025 season, Fisch was heavily linked to the Florida job after Billy Napier was fired. As a Florida alumnus, Fisch became a top betting favorite and target for the SEC vacancy. Though he ultimately remained in Seattle, the rumors served as a reminder of what Arizona fans already knew: Fisch’s commitment only lasts until a sexier job opens up.

Addition by Subtraction

When Fisch left, it felt like the end of Arizona’s brief rebirth. Instead, his departure cleared the way for Brent Brennan, a coach who is genuinely invested in the Tucson community.

While Washington fans are left listening to Fisch’s post-game press conferences trying to figure out how a 3-3 team “resets” its identity, Arizona fans are buying up game tickets and eyeing a potential playoff berth. Jedd Fisch gave Arizona a great season, but by leaving, he gave them the opportunity to build a winning program without the constant fear of the head coach bolting for the exit door.

As the calendar nears November, Arizona officially has the last laugh.