PROVO, Utah — In a move that marks the beginning of a new chapter in Brigham Young University’s storied athletic history, Brian Santiago has officially been named the new athletic director, succeeding the respected and long-serving Tom Holmoe. The announcement, made during a press conference at the BYU Broadcast Building, signals a strategic and exciting shift for Cougar athletics as the university looks to strengthen its position in the Big 12 Conference and beyond.
Santiago, a familiar face within BYU’s athletic circles, brings over two decades of experience in sports administration to his new role. He has served as the university’s associate athletic director since 2001 and has been an instrumental figure in managing day-to-day operations, overseeing key programs, and building strong relationships with coaches, student-athletes, and university leadership.
“This is a humbling and thrilling opportunity,” Santiago said at the press conference. “BYU Athletics has meant the world to me for most of my life, and I am honored to build upon the incredible legacy that Tom Holmoe has established. I believe deeply in the mission of this university, and I am committed to helping our student-athletes thrive spiritually, academically, and athletically.”
Santiago succeeds Tom Holmoe, who has held the position since 2005 and leaves behind a legacy of transformative growth and remarkable success. Under Holmoe’s leadership, BYU enjoyed historic athletic achievements, including national championships, bowl victories, NCAA tournament runs, and most recently, a long-anticipated move into the Big 12 Conference. Holmoe was widely praised for his vision, character, and ability to navigate the complexities of collegiate athletics with integrity.
In a statement, Holmoe expressed confidence in his successor: “Brian Santiago is the right leader for this moment. He knows BYU, he loves BYU, and he has the passion and skill to lead our athletic department into the future. I’ve worked closely with Brian for many years, and I know he’ll lead with the same values and determination that have always defined Cougar athletics.”
Santiago’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for BYU. As the university continues to adjust to the demands of Power Five competition, Santiago will face key challenges, including managing increasing media rights responsibilities, ensuring competitive excellence across all sports, enhancing facilities, and further developing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for student-athletes in alignment with BYU’s standards and values.
University President Shane Reese praised Santiago’s long-standing commitment to the university and its athletic mission. “Brian is a principled leader, and he embodies the spirit and purpose of BYU,” President Reese said. “We are confident that under his leadership, our student-athletes will continue to compete at the highest level while remaining grounded in the values that make BYU unique.”
Support from coaches and student-athletes has been overwhelmingly positive. Head football coach Kalani Sitake expressed excitement about the continuity Santiago brings. “Brian has been a key part of our success behind the scenes,” Sitake said. “He understands the culture we’ve built, and he’s committed to pushing us forward. I’m excited to work with him in this new role.”
Women’s volleyball head coach Heather Olmstead echoed those sentiments. “Brian has always been a tremendous advocate for our student-athletes and our teams. He listens, he supports, and he leads with conviction.”
Santiago has already outlined some priorities as he transitions into his new role. Among them are investing in student-athlete development programs, elevating fan engagement, and maintaining BYU’s national reputation as a model for combining athletic excellence with faith-based values.
“I want our student-athletes to leave BYU not only as champions on the field but as leaders and examples in their communities and professions,” Santiago said. “We’ll continue to chase championships, but we’ll also strive to be a light in the world of college athletics.”
As Cougar Nation looks ahead, there is a renewed sense of optimism and energy surrounding BYU Athletics. With Brian Santiago at the helm, the university appears poised to build on its rich tradition while embracing new opportunities on the national stage.
In the words of Santiago himself: “The best is yet to come.”
