Responses to BYU Naming Brian Santiago as Athletic Director

Brian Santiago has been appointed as the new athletic director for the BYU Cougars.

This marks a promotion from his previous position as deputy athletic director. Santiago has served in BYU’s athletic department since 2001 and has been with the university since 1997.

Public responses to BYU promoting Brian Santiago

Following BYU’s formal announcement, social media quickly filled with reactions to Santiago’s elevation to A.D.

Here’s a collection of notable comments from those who’ve been part of BYU athletics over the years.

Val Hale, Former BYU Athletic Director

Chad Lewis, BYU Associate AD – Development/Former NFL Tight End

Liz Darger, BYU Athletics Senior Woman Administrator (SWA)

Austin Collie, Former BYU and NFL Wide Receiver

Mark Durrant, BYU Sports Network Analyst/Former BYU Basketball Player

“Brian has been a dear friend of mine for years. I enjoyed being his teammate at Provo High and didn’t enjoy facing him when he was at Fresno. He’s always shown generosity and kindness to my family. The Durrants deeply respect the Santiagos,” Mark Durrant wrote on X.

Durrant added, “He’s the son of truly amazing parents, Frank and Ella. I played with his outstanding brothers Kevin, Mark, and Todd at Provo High and BYU. His wife Kim is incredibly gifted, and they’ve built a great family. While I may not know everything, I do know that Brian is passionately loyal to BYU and fully dedicated to its athletic future. Nobody cares more, has greater ability, or will put in more effort to elevate BYU than Brian.”

Chris Burgess, BYU Basketball Assistant Coach

Travis Hansen, Former BYU and NBA Player

Brandon Dunson, BYU Basketball Assistant Coach

Nate Austin, BYU Director of Basketball Operations/Former BYU Player

Mitch Harper covers BYU sports for KSLsports.com and is the host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on X: @Mitch_Harper.