BYU Names Brian Santiago as New Athletics Director

PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University announced on Tuesday the appointment of Brian Santiago as its new director of athletics. Santiago replaces Tom Holmoe, who is retiring after leading the department for 20 years.

University President C. Shane Reese expressed excitement about Santiago’s appointment. “We are excited to build on the forward momentum and legacy of Tom Holmoe,” Reese said. “Brian has a track record of leadership and an ability to lead BYU athletics as we navigate the complex and rapidly evolving waters of college athletics.”

Santiago joined BYU’s athletic department in 1997, initially as part of the men’s basketball coaching staff. His administrative career began in 2011. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become senior associate athletic director in 2008 and then deputy athletic director in 2017.

In his role as deputy athletic director, Santiago managed 10 sports teams at BYU, including both men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. “I am humbled and honored for this responsibility and privilege to work alongside our coaches, staff, student-athletes, and all of Cougar Nation,” Santiago said.

He emphasized BYU’s mission, stating, “BYU is one of the premier athletic programs in the country, but it is so much more than that—it is part of BYU’s sacred mission.”

Santiago has a substantial educational background, having earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Utah Valley University and a bachelor’s in business administration from Fresno State. He also holds an MBA from BYU’s Marriott School of Management.

While at Fresno State, he was a standout basketball player, leading in assists and three-point shooting percentage. In addition, he was named to the pre-selection Olympic team for Puerto Rico and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic.

Under Santiago’s leadership, the university aims to continue its successful run, having completed its second year in the Big 12 athletic conference and winning national championships in cross country.

The formal introduction of Santiago will take place at a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, at 10 a.m. MST, and will be broadcast on BYUtv.