BYU has named Brian Santiago as its new athletic director, succeeding the retiring Tom Holmoe. Santiago, a long-time deputy athletic director, steps into the role with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of BYU’s athletic programs. This transition marks a significant moment for BYU as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the Big 12 Conference. Santiago’s appointment signals a commitment to maintaining BYU’s values and competitive edge in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The decision to promote Santiago from within reflects BYU’s confidence in his leadership abilities and his familiarity with the university’s mission. Holmoe’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Santiago is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of leading BYU athletics forward. His close working relationship with Holmoe over the years positions him as a natural successor, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in the department’s operations.
This article explores Santiago’s background, his vision for BYU athletics, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We’ll examine his track record, his relationships with key figures in the athletic community, and his plans for sustaining BYU’s success in the Big 12 and beyond.
Brian Santiago: From Player to Athletic Director
Brian Santiago’s journey to becoming BYU’s athletic director is rooted in a lifelong passion for sports and a deep connection to the university. A 1988 graduate of Provo High, Santiago excelled in basketball, earning all-state honors as part of a state championship team. He continued his basketball career at Utah Valley and Fresno State, where he led the Western Athletic Conference in assists and 3-point shooting percentage. Following college, Santiago played professional basketball in Puerto Rico for three years before returning to BYU.
His transition to athletic administration began in 1997 as an assistant coach for BYU’s men’s basketball team under Steve Cleveland. Four years later, he moved into athletic administration, steadily rising through the ranks. Santiago’s diverse experience as a player, coach, and administrator provides him with a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of student-athletes and the athletic department as a whole.
Santiago’s appointment is not just a career milestone but also a homecoming. His roots in the local community and his long-standing affiliation with BYU make him an ideal fit for the role. He understands the values and traditions of the university, and he is committed to upholding its mission while driving its athletic programs to new heights.
Tom Holmoe’s Legacy: A Foundation for the Future
Tom Holmoe’s tenure as BYU’s athletic director, spanning nearly two decades, has been marked by significant achievements and transformative changes. He successfully guided BYU through multiple conference transitions, including a decade of independence in football before joining the Big 12 Conference. Holmoe’s leadership was instrumental in positioning BYU for long-term success in a rapidly evolving college athletic landscape.
Under Holmoe’s guidance, BYU’s athletic programs achieved national recognition and sustained competitive excellence. He prioritized the well-being of student-athletes and fostered a culture of academic and athletic achievement. Holmoe’s commitment to BYU’s values and his ability to navigate complex challenges have left an indelible mark on the university.
Santiago inherits a strong foundation built by Holmoe. The challenge for Santiago is to build upon this legacy while adapting to the new realities of college athletics. Holmoe’s mentorship and guidance have prepared Santiago for this role, and he is committed to honoring Holmoe’s contributions while charting a course for future success.
Navigating the Big 12: Challenges and Opportunities
BYU’s entry into the Big 12 Conference represents a significant milestone in the university’s athletic history. The move provides BYU with increased visibility, enhanced competition, and greater revenue opportunities. However, it also presents a number of challenges that Santiago must address as athletic director.
One of the primary challenges is maintaining competitiveness in a conference with established Power Five programs. BYU must continue to invest in its athletic facilities, coaching staff, and recruiting efforts to attract top talent and compete at the highest level. Santiago’s experience in fundraising and alumni relations will be critical in securing the resources necessary to support BYU’s athletic ambitions.
Another challenge is managing the increased travel demands and scheduling complexities that come with being part of a major conference. BYU must ensure that its student-athletes have the support they need to balance their academic and athletic commitments while navigating a demanding travel schedule. Santiago’s focus on student-athlete welfare will be essential in addressing this challenge.
Santiago’s Vision: Building on Success
Brian Santiago’s vision for BYU athletics is rooted in a commitment to building on the foundation laid by Tom Holmoe. He aims to strengthen BYU’s academic and spiritual mission while fostering a culture of excellence in all sports. Santiago believes that BYU can compete at the highest level while remaining true to its values and traditions.
One of Santiago’s priorities is to enhance the student-athlete experience. He wants to ensure that BYU’s student-athletes have access to the resources and support they need to succeed academically, athletically, and personally. This includes providing state-of-the-art training facilities, comprehensive academic advising, and robust mental health services.
Santiago also plans to focus on building stronger relationships with alumni and donors. He recognizes the importance of private support in sustaining BYU’s athletic programs and is committed to engaging alumni and donors in meaningful ways. Santiago’s strong relationships with prominent alumni like Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge will be invaluable in this effort.
Key Relationships: Alumni and Coaches
Brian Santiago’s success as athletic director will depend in part on his ability to maintain and strengthen key relationships within the BYU community. His close ties to prominent alumni donors, such as Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and executive Danny Ainge, provide BYU with a valuable network of support. These relationships can help BYU attract top talent, fundraise for important projects, and enhance its national profile.
Santiago also has a strong working relationship with BYU’s coaches, including football coach Kalani Sitake and men’s basketball coach Kevin Young. These relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to BYU’s values. Santiago’s ability to collaborate effectively with coaches will be essential in achieving BYU’s athletic goals.
His instrumental role in hiring both Kevin Young and former women’s basketball coach Amber Whiting underscores his ability to identify and recruit talented coaches who align with BYU’s mission. These hires demonstrate Santiago’s commitment to building a strong and competitive athletic program.
Conclusion: A New Era for BYU Athletics
Brian Santiago’s appointment as BYU’s athletic director marks the beginning of a new era for the university’s athletic programs. He inherits a strong foundation built by Tom Holmoe and is well-prepared to lead BYU through the challenges and opportunities of the Big 12 Conference. Santiago’s experience, vision, and relationships position him for success in this role.
As BYU navigates the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, Santiago’s leadership will be critical. His commitment to student-athlete welfare, his focus on academic and athletic excellence, and his ability to build strong relationships will be essential in sustaining BYU’s success. The BYU community is united in its support for Santiago and his vision for the future of BYU athletics.
The transition from Holmoe to Santiago represents a seamless changing of the guard, ensuring continuity and stability for BYU’s athletic programs. With Santiago at the helm, BYU is well-positioned to continue its rise in the Big 12 and achieve even greater success on the national stage. The future of BYU athletics is bright, and Brian Santiago is the right person to lead the way.
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