Tom Holmoe’s legacy at Brigham Young University (BYU) is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication. His farewell marks the end of an era, as he steps away from a career that has defined not only his own path but the trajectory of BYU Athletics. The weight of years spent shaping the department, navigating the complexities of collegiate sports, and championing student-athletes has left its mark, not just on the university but on Holmoe himself.
Having first made his name on the football field, Holmoe was no stranger to the demands of high-stakes competition. A former defensive back for BYU, he went on to carve out a professional career in the NFL, earning three Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. His transition into coaching brought him back to BYU, where he served as the defensive backs coach before taking on the role of head coach at California. Yet, it was his tenure as BYU’s athletic director that cemented his status as a true Cougar to the end.
Under Holmoe’s leadership, BYU navigated seismic shifts in college athletics, from conference realignment to the ever-changing landscape of recruitment and NIL agreements. Perhaps most notably, he steered BYU into the Big 12, securing the program’s place in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. His impact extended beyond administrative triumphs—Holmoe remained a steadfast supporter of student-athletes, ensuring that their voices were heard and their experiences enriched.
But as much as the victories and accomplishments have shaped his tenure, the passage of time is an unforgiving opponent. There comes a moment when even the strongest must acknowledge their limits. The metaphor in the farewell—his bones no longer bearing the weight—captures both the physical and emotional toll of a life devoted to the demands of collegiate athletics. His departure is not just a professional transition; it’s a deeply personal moment for someone who has given so much to BYU.
Despite stepping away, Holmoe’s legacy is securely woven into the fabric of BYU sports. His influence will linger in the halls of the athletic department, in the roar of Cougar fans at LaVell Edwards Stadium, and in the aspirations of student-athletes who follow in his footsteps. His farewell may signal the end of an official role, but his impact will endure far beyond his tenure.
Ultimately, Tom Holmoe’s departure is bittersweet. He leaves behind a thriving athletic program, a university that has benefited immensely from his guidance, and a community that will forever count him among its most cherished figures. As he steps away from the weight of his responsibilities, there is little doubt that BYU will continue to build upon the foundation he so carefully laid. He is, and will always be, a Cougar to the end.
