The University of New Mexico has officially appointed Ryan Berryman as the full-time athletic director, a move made public on Wednesday. At just 32 years old, Berryman is set to take on one of the youngest athletic director roles within the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). He stepped into the interim position following the departure of Fernando Lovo, who moved on to become the athletic director at the University of Colorado in late December.
Berryman is no stranger to the University of New Mexico, having graduated from the institution and previously served as a student manager. He advanced through the ranks of the athletic department and gained significant experience as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Washington before returning to UNM in 2025. Prior to his recent promotion, Berryman held the title of Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer.
His promotion arrives during a period of significant momentum for the athletic department, as two first-year coaches hired by Lovo have achieved notable success. Football coach Jason Eck led the team to nine victories in his inaugural season, which culminated in the program’s first bowl bid since 2016. Meanwhile, basketball coach Eric Olen has positioned the Lobos for a potential NCAA tournament appearance, boasting a solid 22-7 record and aiming for an No. 11 seed.
Additionally, under Berryman’s interim leadership, the University of New Mexico secured a landmark 10-year naming rights deal with Nusenda Credit Union for its renowned basketball arena, The Pit. This partnership is valued at nearly $1.75 million annually.
Berryman expressed his enthusiasm about the future of the athletic department, stating, “I have watched this department grow through some hard years and some remarkable ones, and I believe with everything I have that the best days are ahead. We are going to build something here that this entire state is proud of — in competition, in the classroom, and in this community.”
With Berryman stepping into this prominent role, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the University of New Mexico’s athletic programs, indicating that the university is poised for a bright future.