New BYU AD reveals top priority for next year and beyond

As Brian Santiago gets settled into his new role as BYU's athletic director, there are a few matters that need to be addressed. However, none more pressing than finding a way to keep Kevin Young.

The BYU men's basketball coach is building something special in Provo with Final Four potential, but with success comes better opportunities. Santiago admitted during his introductory press conference that he will sit down with Young to try to convince him to stay as the best long-term option. Will it matter if the NBA comes knocking ? 

“I just think that everybody knows there’s been a lot out there with him being such a successful NBA coach and the Phoenix Suns making the change with their head coaching job. And it is obvious that they’re going to be interested in talking to Kevin Young," Santiago said. 

Young led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 appearance last season. The expectations are higher now after BYU pulled in the nation’s top recruit AJ Dybantsa and paired him with Robert Wright III and Kennard Davis Jr. Young came to Provo from Phoenix last year and built an NBA-style program. 

There was a lot Young gave up in Phoenix. He was the highest-paid assistant in the NBA, but still kept a good relationship with players in the league. 

“I’m hoping that Kevin Young sees everything that’s happening here, and for all of these student athletes that we’ve brought to BYU, that this is the right place for him and his family,” Santiago said. “So that we can move forward with confidence, and everybody knows we’re ready to go.”

Santiago took the point in hiring Young to replace now Kentucky coach Mark Pope. He'll use his good standing to show him BYU is where he needs to be.

“The first thing that I want to do is make sure all of our coaches are locked in at BYU, starting with Kevin Young,” Santiago said.