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PROVO, Utah — After two decades at the helm, BYU will soon begin the search for a new athletic director.
Tom Holmoe has officially announced his retirement plans, set for the conclusion of the 2024-25 athletic season. Throughout his 20-year tenure, he played a crucial role in facilitating BYU’s entry into the Big 12 Conference. One of his major objectives as athletic director was to ensure the Cougars transitioned successfully from an FBS independent to membership in a prominent athletic conference.
Having achieved this important milestone, Holmoe feels it’s time to pass on the responsibility to a new leader.
“This is an excellent moment for a smooth and impactful transition,” Holmoe shared with the media. “The elements for our continued success are already established. Joining the Big 12 has been an immense advantage for all of our teams. Our collective belief in the Big 12 and its leadership is strong.”
Shane Reese, BYU’s president, indicated that the university would embark on a nationwide search to find a replacement. They will “cast a wide net” looking for a candidate who is dedicated to enhancing the athletics program amidst the evolving landscape of college sports due to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations and the transfer portal.
Reese acknowledged the significant impact Holmoe had, noting that his successor would have a formidable challenge ahead.
“Replacing someone like Tom Holmoe is nearly impossible,” Reese remarked. “While there will be a new person in this role, Tom Holmoe is simply irreplaceable.”
Holmoe plans to remain in his position until the end of his current contract in August, assisting in the transition process. He initially made the choice to retire last July but decided to delay his announcement until after the 2024 football season to avoid distracting his teams.
“Had I disclosed my plans earlier, it would have been a considerable distraction for our football team and the others,” Holmoe explained.
Interestingly, Holmoe shared that he consistently signed one-year contracts during his time as athletic director. This unconventional approach is atypical in college athletics, where long-term contracts are generally viewed as symbols of stability and strength in recruiting and fundraising efforts.
“I have operated on a year-to-year basis for 23 years. I never had a multiyear contract and never requested one,” Holmoe stated. “The intention was always to create an environment where I was motivated to earn my keep.”
Since his appointment as athletic director on March 1, 2005, Holmoe has been an integral part of BYU sports after joining the university in 2002 as an associate athletic director for development. A former football player under LaVell Edwards from 1978 to 1982, he garnered first-team All-WAC honors during his senior year.
Drafted in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1983, Holmoe enjoyed a successful seven-season career with the team, contributing to three Super Bowl championships in 1984, 1988, and 1989 before retiring at the young age of 30. Thereafter, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at BYU, Stanford, California, and the 49ers, before taking the head coaching position at California in 1997, where he managed a record of 16 wins and 39 losses over five seasons.
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