June 26, 2025

The Coach Who Created a New System…..and Proved It Works | Sacramento State Head Coach Brennan Marion

50 minutes

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion opens up like never before. From being broke in his 20s to getting passed over for head coaching jobs — including his own alma mater — Marion has stayed true to himself, even when it cost him opportunities. Now, he’s one of the most innovative minds in football.

Marion shares what it was like getting the call for his first head coaching job, the infrastructure he immediately changed at Sac State, and how his journey shaped the edge he brings to the sideline. He dives deep into creating the Go-Go Offense — a system built to win even without top-tier talent — and the grit it took to build it from nothing.

Marion and Adam talk about the broken parts of the current NIL system, how a head coach has to balance being loved by players with making ruthless decisions, and what fans don’t understand about the business of college football. Marion explains why he believes “one great year can change your life” — and how that mindset has guided him every step of the way.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

1:14 - Day 1 at Sacramento State & Getting the Job

3:02 - First thoughts about Sacramento State

4:07 - Interviewing Process for Head Coaching Jobs

6:53 - Experience leading up to Being a Head Coach

8:53 - Early Coaching Career

12:05 - Creating the Go-Go Offense

16:26 - Toughest Coaching Interview

19:49 - Toughest part of becoming a 1st time Head Coach

22:00 - NIL thoughts

25:15 - Balancing Relationships with Players

28:44 - “One Great Year Can Change Your Life”

32:15 - Business of Head Coaching

34:25 - NIL support at Sacramento State

35:22 - Family

36:55 - First Purchase After Becoming Head Coach

37:29 - Rapid Fire QnA

39:30 - Defining Moment In Coach Marion’s Career

43:31 - Defining Success at Sacramento State

44:42 - Roster Management

46:50 - Coach Marion’s Why

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

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