Utah’s Chief Operating Officer Kyle Brennan Appointed Athletic Director At Illinois State University

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – University of Utah’s Assistant Athletic Director Kyle Brennan has been appointed the Athletic Director at Illinois State University after spending 12 years with Utah.

Brennan’s responsibilities at Utah involved managing the areas of compliance, facilities, equipment, events, finance, human resources and academic support, as well as overseeing the sport supervisors. The primary supervisor for the day-to-day operations of the football and men’s basketball programs, Brennan also directly supervises the men’s lacrosse team. He previously served in the same role with the women’s basketball, golf and men’s and women’s tennis teams. Before becoming the COO in August of 2018, he also oversaw the external side of Utah athletics, including its partnership with Under Armour and Learfield.

The next chapter in the Redbird story starts today.

Help us welcome Kyle Brennan, the next Director of Athletics at Illinois State University.

📝» https://t.co/OQDCWVVjZb pic.twitter.com/tkZhVau14p

— ISU Redbirds (@ISURedbirds) December 23, 2020

“While we are happy for the next chapter in our lives, it is with sadness that we say goodbye to such great friends and colleagues,” Brennan said. “This department, university and community have embraced and supported us through the joys and struggles of life. I want to thank all the coaches, staff, student-athletes and donors I have had the opportunity to work with.”

“It has been an honor to be a small part of the great success of Dr. Hill’s tenure, while getting to see Mark Harlan continue that tradition under the strong leadership of Dr. Watkins. Utah is an amazing place, with special people that will always hold a place in our hearts. Thank you, and Go Utes!”

This is not the first time in Brennan’s career that he has accepted an Athletic Director’s role. On May 2nd, 2016 Brennan was appointed Athletic Director of Montana State University but eight days after the announcement on May 10, 2016, he backed out of the position.

Brennan’s role within the Utah Athletic Departement has been significant. He has played a key role in progressing the department to bigger and better things. He has learnt through the guidance of former Athletic Director Dr. Chris Hill as well as current AD Mark Harlan.

Congratulations to Kyle Brennan, who has accepted the Director of Athletics position with @ISURedbirds: https://t.co/n2cmHsY60a#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/YPXleZt3cT

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 23, 2020

“Kyle Brennan is a sensational choice to lead the Illinois State Athletics Department and to elevate the program to even greater heights,” said Utah Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. “Utah’s loss is a tremendous gain for ISU, as Kyle is a true leader, a man of character and integrity, and, perhaps most importantly, someone full of compassion for others. We will miss Kyle and his amazing family, and I have absolutely no doubt that he will do an incredible job. The Utah Athletics Family will be cheering him on from afar.”