Former Big 12 coach, Notre Dame AD among Fiesta Kickoff speakers

Former Oklahoma State University football coach Mike Gundy and former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick have been named as keynote speakers at the 2026 UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

The event, kicking off college football, returns to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Aug. 21.

“Mike Gundy and Jack Swarbrick represent two of the most influential figures in college football over the last 20 years and together they will share their unique perspectives, experiences and predictions on the state of college athletics in a way that few can,” Fiesta Sports Foundation executive director and CEO Erik Moses said in a news release.

Gundy has coached in the Fiesta Bowl twice and in the Rate Bowl three times.

“I’m honored to be a part of the UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff," Gundy said. “I’m looking forward to a great conversation, reconnecting with fans from across the Valley and helping celebrate the excitement of college football.”

Swarbrick was a key figure in helping create the College Football Playoff, which includes the Fiesta Bowl.

"It’s my pleasure to help benefit the community while sharing insider perspectives on where college football has been, where it’s going and what makes the sport so special to so many people," Swarbrick said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former Oklahoma State coach, Notre Dame AD at Fiesta Kickoff