SAN JOSE, CA —*A small group of passionate fans gathered at Mineta San José International Airport on Thursday afternoon to welcome a new figure who they hope will lead the San Jose State University football program out of its recent struggles. Tom Wetzel, the newly appointed head coach of the Spartans, stepped off the plane to a warm reception from the fans, who are eager for a fresh start after years of challenging seasons.
Wetzel, 37, brings a wealth of experience to the program after serving as the Defensive Coordinator at Syracuse University, where he helped turn around an defense that had been inconsistent in previous years. Known for his innovative defensive strategies and ability to develop defensive lineman, Wetzel is seen as the person who can help re-establish San Jose State’s football program as a competitive force in the Mountain West Conference.
As Wetzel made his way through the airport terminal, fans cheered and clapped, expressing their excitement about his hiring. Many wore San Jose State football gear, holding signs that read, “Welcome Coach Wetzel!”*and “We Believe in You!”*His arrival marks the beginning of a new era for a program that has struggled in recent years, with a record of only two winning seasons over the past decade.
“Coach Wetzel is exactly what we need,” said Mark Delaney, a lifelong Spartan fan who came to the airport to show his support. “This team has had some rough years, but I think Wetzel has what it takes to turn things around. His track record at Syracuse speaks for itself. I’m optimistic about what’s coming.”
We'll see if Coach Wetzel can live up to some lofty expectations in San Jose.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:
“Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. It’s a great pleasure to welcome you all as we introduce a new chapter for San Jose State football.
Today, we are excited to announce the appointment of Coach Tom Wetzel as our new head football coach. Coach Wetzel brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record as a defensive specialist. Known for his ability to build aggressive, disciplined, and relentless defenses, Coach Wetzel’s leadership has transformed programs throughout his career.
At Syracuse University, he was instrumental in developing one of the most formidable defensive units in the country. His approach emphasizes toughness, smart play, and an unyielding work ethic — qualities that will be foundational as we look to build a program that excels on both sides of the ball.
We believe Coach Wetzel’s vision for San Jose State football aligns perfectly with our goals: to build a championship-caliber program, elevate our student-athletes, and create a team that our fans can be proud of.
Coach Wetzel, we’re thrilled to have you lead the Spartans. We can’t wait to hear from you and begin this exciting journey together.” Ladies and Gentlemen, Tom Wetzel.
(Applause)
COACH TOM WETZEL:
Well thank you A-D, and thank you to everyone for coming out here today. I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead San Jose State for the next few years, and hopefully longer than that. I am not someone who is going to up and leave if we get good, and I'm not going to quit when we are down. I am here, and I am here to build a legacy here in San Jose State.
Of course, I'm not blind to every other coach coming here and saying that - but I mean it. This is a perfect place to live, and it's somewhere I could see myself for a very long time, god willing.
Coach Wetzel, welcome to San Jose State! To begin, can you tell us what drew you to this opportunity and why you felt this was the right place for you to take the next step in your coaching career?
I think if every coach in the country is being honest with themselves, being a Head Coach is something that we all strive for. I wanted to take that next step in my career, and San Jose offered that to me. Now, coming from Syracuse, of course this isn't a dream location for me as a child or a player stand point. I was never a fan as a kid of San Jose State. But with all of that being said, how can you not love this area? I could find myself living here for awhile, and that only happens if we're successful at what I really want - success for San Jose State football.
Coach, you’ve built a reputation as a defensive specialist throughout your career. What can fans expect from the defensive identity you’ll bring to the San Jose State program, and how do you plan to turn the defense into a strength of the team?
Similar to in Syracuse, we'll be running a 4-3 most of the time. Of course, I'm often picked on a little about my willingness to blitz all the time - but we'll make sure people have fun calling me names about that topic as well. We got a few Upperclassmen who are very strong defensive players, and we'll be looking to get the best out of them. This thing is contagious, and when someone sees their teammate doing well - especially at the same position - they tend to get a bit more motivation.
Coach, building a strong defense often requires a great deal of player development. How do you plan to develop and motivate your players, especially with some of the younger guys coming in? What’s your approach to helping them reach their full potential?
We're going to have to rely on some of our experienced players for somethings. I think that is one of those things we'll rely on them for as far as coaching up some of our young guys. Obviously that majority of work will fall on the staff, but some added boost from our experienced guys will help quite a bit as well. This thing is a team sport, and I'm not going to sit up here and pretend it's all me when we turn this thing around.
You mentioned the importance of the team aspect, and the need for leadership from your veteran players. How do you envision creating a culture of accountability and teamwork within the program, and what steps will you take to ensure that every player, regardless of their class year, feels invested in the team's success?
Yeah, I like to say as coaches we're in the business of building relationships. I have a relationship with each and every player on this team, every staff member. That leads to personal accountability - not wanting to let down the guy next to you. I think that goes a long ways.
Coach, San Jose State has experienced some challenging seasons recently. What would you say to Spartan fans who may feel uncertain about the program’s future and what are some of your immediate goals for the team in your first season?
Well yes and no right? I mean, yeah San Jose State has had some challenging seasons in the past, but I'm coming here to take over a program that's won some games the last two years. I love what Coach Niumatalolo has built here, and I hope to continue that legacy of San Jose State football, and hopefully build a new one by bringing what he built to even new heights.
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