| Submission declined on 17 July 2025 by Paul W (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. The content of this submission includes material that does not meet Wikipedia's minimum standard for inline citations. Please cite your sources using footnotes. For instructions on how to do this, please see Referencing for beginners. Thank you.
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Comment: Not seeing much significant coverage in reliable independent secondary sources (references are mainly primary - eg: university employers - or routine reporting in local media, or reports based on employer PR/marketing). Reference 1 is a broken link and the site makes no mention of Brennan. Blogs are not reliable sources. Paul W (talk) 10:53, 17 July 2025 (UTC)
Kyle Brennan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lynden, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Calvin University, University of Denver College of Law |
| Occupation | Athletics administrator |
| Known for | Deputy AD at University of Utah, AD at Illinois State University |
Kyle Brennan is an American college athletics administrator known for leadership roles at several NCAA Division I universities. He has served as Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Utah, and as Athletic Director at Illinois State University. Brennan is recognized for his work in NCAA compliance, student-athlete development, facility advancement, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programming.
Early life and education
[edit]Brennan was raised in Lynden, Washington, a small town in Whatcom County.[1] He played multiple sports in high school and developed an early interest in college athletics. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he studied Political Science. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver College of Law.
Career
[edit]Ball State University
[edit]Brennan worked in compliance at Ball State University from 2006–2008, during which he became publicly known in relation to internal investigations tied to NCAA allegations amid the departure of head coach Ronny Thompson.[2]
Texas Christian University and Northern Illinois
[edit]He held athletic department roles at TCU and Northern Illinois University, focusing on external relations, donor engagement, and athletic facilities development.[3]
University of Utah
[edit]Brennan joined the University of Utah in 2008 and became Deputy Athletics Director and COO by 2014. He oversaw day-to-day athletic operations, compliance, finance, and major facility projects, including the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center and the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Basketball Facility.[4]
In an April 2018 Deseret News article, Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham described Brennan as "a rising star in the industry" and praised his operational leadership.[5]
Illinois State University
[edit]In January 2021, Brennan became Athletic Director at Illinois State University. He led strategic planning, upgrades to athletic facilities, and a departmental reorganization.[6]
In March 2022, Brennan hired Ryan Pedon as head men’s basketball coach. Gene Smith, then Athletic Director at Ohio State, praised Brennan's hiring decision: "Kyle Brennan is an outstanding Athletic Director and his choice of Ryan is a great one."[7]
In July 2022, Brennan received a contract extension through 2027, which included performance-based bonuses.[8]
Crimson Collective (Return to Utah)
[edit]In June 2023, Brennan joined the Crimson Collective, a University of Utah NIL collective focused on fundraising for student-athletes, particularly football. The hiring was announced via WGLT Public Radio.[9]
Media coverage
[edit]Brennan has been cited in regional and national outlets, including USA Today, Deseret News, WGLT Public Radio, ESPN, Salt Lake Tribune, and university-affiliated media for his leadership in athletics administration and NIL reform.
Personal life
[edit]He maintains strong ties to his hometown of Lynden, Washington, and is recognized locally for his national influence in college athletics leadership.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "About Lynden". City of Lynden. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Rodney Thompson story". ESPN. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Interview with Utah's COO & Deputy Athletics Director, Kyle Brennan". DreamingIsntEasy Blog. May 22, 2020. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Utah Athletics Announces Completion of Huntsman Basketball Facility". University of Utah Athletics. October 20, 2015. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Could Utah deputy athletic director be heir to Chris Hill?". Deseret News. April 17, 2018. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Kyle Brennan Selected To Lead Illinois State Athletics As New AD". Illinois State Athletics. December 23, 2020. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Illinois State hires Ohio State assistant Ryan Pedon as men's basketball coach". ESPN. March 7, 2022. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Athletic Director Kyle Brennan receives contract extension". Illinois State University News. July 26, 2022. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Ex-ISU AD Kyle Brennan lands new job with NIL collective at Utah". WGLT. June 16, 2023. Retrieved 2025-07-11.