PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University (BYU) has officially promoted Brian Santiago to serve as the institution’s new athletic director following the retirement of Tom Holmoe, who held the role for two decades.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Santiago transitioning from his position as deputy athletic director. He has been with BYU’s athletic program since 1997, beginning his career as an assistant basketball coach and later advancing through various roles in athletic administration.
BYU President C. Shane Reese expressed enthusiasm over the appointment, emphasizing Santiago’s leadership skills and his commitment to furthering BYU’s academic and spiritual missions, which significantly impact student-athletes. “We are excited to build on the forward momentum and legacy of Tom Holmoe,” Reese stated, highlighting Santiago’s readiness to lead BYU Athletics amid the complexities of modern college sports.
Santiago has a robust background in athletics, having spent the last several years as deputy athletic director and previously as a senior associate athletic director for nearly a decade. As a graduate of Provo High School and a former basketball player at Utah Valley and Fresno State, Santiago brings both personal and professional ties to the BYU community.
This leadership change presents an opportunity for BYU to continue advancing its athletic program while honoring the legacy of Holmoe, ensuring a bright future for its student-athletes. Santiago’s appointment signals a commitment to maintaining high standards in both athletics and academics, promising to blend tradition with the evolving landscape of collegiate sports.