Brigham Young University (BYU) has officially appointed Brian Santiago as its new Director of Athletics, marking a significant leadership transition following Tom Holmoe’s retirement after two decades of service. Santiago, a long-standing figure within BYU Athletics, brings nearly three decades of experience to his new role.
Having joined BYU in 1997, Santiago has held various positions, including senior associate athletic director since 2008 and deputy athletic director since 2017. In these roles, he oversaw multiple sports programs and managed key areas such as sports marketing and communications .
During the press conference announcing his appointment, Santiago expressed enthusiasm for the future of BYU Athletics, stating, “There’s never been a better time to be a part of BYU athletics and this university than right now” .
Acknowledging both support and skepticism surrounding his promotion, Santiago addressed concerns about his leadership style. He emphasized personal growth and a commitment to leading with compassion, noting, “We are who we are, and I feel like I can stand with confidence in who I am. I think that part of my competitive nature came with me when I was born into this world” .
BYU President C. Shane Reese highlighted Santiago’s deep understanding of the university’s athletic culture and his readiness to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics, including challenges related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and conference realignments .
As Santiago steps into his new role, the BYU community anticipates continued growth and success under his leadership.
