Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
- BYU's next athletic director may be Brian Santiago, current deputy athletic director.
- Santiago has extensive experience and support from influential figures like Ryan Smith.
- Former directors and insiders endorse Santiago, citing his growth and leadership potential.
PROVO — Using history as a significant indicator, BYU won't have to look far and wide to find its next athletic director.
Dating back nearly 100 years, from G. Ott Romney up through Tom Holmoe, every athletic director was already a BYU employee when he got the job. The tradition could continue with Brian Santiago, the current deputy athletic director.
"My wingman," Holmoe said during the press conference last month to announce his retirement.
Santiago, who has worked at BYU in various capacities since 1997, originally was part of coach Steve Cleveland's new basketball staff before transitioning to the university's athletic administration four years later.
The 1988 Provo High graduate played basketball and baseball at the then junior college Utah Valley and basketball at Fresno State, forming a close relationship with Cleveland during the latter's time as coach at Fresno City College.
In recent years, Santiago has set a goal to become an athletic director and likely considers BYU his dream job. He already has been serving an unofficial apprenticeship holding primary supervision over 10 BYU sports along with several other responsibilities within the department.
Based solely on experience, Santiago has more qualifications than Holmoe did when he succeeded Val Hale 20 years ago.
The three-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers had college and NFL coaching experience before transitioning to administration at BYU returning in 2001. He later was named an interim athletic director for several months before officially taking over the department.
"He's prepared for it," said retired women's basketball coach Jeff Judkins. "He's done everything he's needed to do."
Multiple people inside the department anticipate Santiago succeeding Holmoe, a former BYU defensive back, when he leaves in the summer. He also has the support of mulitple influential boosters.
Topping the list is Jazz and Utah Hockey Club owner and BYU graduate Ryan Smith, whose close relationship with Santiago extends several years. BYU basketball legend and Jazz CEO Danny Ainge often sits next to Santiago during his alma mater's games.
"Those who know him know that he truly makes magic happen," Smith said during an interview on The Zone. "I know that there's a lot of programs in the country that would like to bring him as their AD. He knows a lot of those people. So, BYU will get the right answer. They always do."
A fiery competitor as a player, Santiago has developed a reputation of what could be described as abrasive. At the same time, it's also accurate to say he has grown in his job over the years and deserves a chance to prove worthy of leading the department.
Unlike at most schools, the BYU athletic director is required to manage up the extra layer of bureaucracy. Most directors report directly to the university president, but the BYU chain of command includes an additional administrator who can have little experience in athletics.
For this reason, along with most others, former BYU athletic director Rondo Fehlberg endorses Santiago to replace Holmoe. With the athletic department flourishing, he believes Santiago can further stabilize its place in the Big 12.
"Brian surprised me, he really did," Fehlberg said during an interview on The Zone. "He has been way better than anybody ever expected him to be at doing what needed to be done. I guess I judged Brian wrong early on. I thought Brian would be more interested in making sure he got the attention and the credit he deserved for the work he was doing. He hasn't at all; he deflects all of that elsewhere and he's been masterful at it."
Replacing the popular Holmoe is a difficult task for whomever gets the job. His influence during turbulent times has drawn a wide range of praise.
"I grew up, and Tom was kind of in my neighborhood growing up," Smith said. "I think, while he was still playing or just done playing. He's been such a gift to Utah. California kid, transplant here. I know his family; he's done such a good job. His son actually worked with me for 10 years. I just absolutely love, love, love that family.
"And his temperament, his demeanor, the way he led, not shying away from anything, any controversy, and always handled himself in a way that kind of would make everyone proud with a long-term vision of, you know, how to do things the right way. Even though, I can imagine the amount of times it wasn't easy, especially in that role. I mean, BYU as an AD, is not an easy role. It takes a very specific skill set."
