Illinois State University announced a contract extension for Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan.
“Illinois State University benefits greatly from Kyle’s leadership and guidance,” University President Terri Goss Kinzy said. “Along with victories on the court and in the field, he emphasizes inclusive success for all aspects of our student-athletes. His dedication to the University’s values advances the excellence of Illinois State.”
Beginning July 1, 2022, the extension runs until June 30, 2027, and includes a yearly salary of $242,892 as well as the eligibility of a bonus for academic and athletic success, not to exceed $20,000 in any contract year.
Brennan was named to the position in December of 2020 and begins his third academic year at the helm of the department. He currently represents the University and the Missouri Valley Conference as committee chair for the directors of athletics.
“I would like to thank President Kinzy for her support and confidence,” Brennan said. “I continue to be humbled by the support of everyone on campus, in the community, and from our donors and supporters and we continue to take this department to new heights.”
Recently, Illinois State won its third-consecutive MVC All-Sports Trophy and its second under Brennan’s leadership. During the 2021-22 season Illinois State won five league championships and finished in the Top three in eight sports. In his first season as Director of Athletics, the Redbirds earned six team titles and had runner-up finishes in men’s golf and men’s outdoor track & field. With the wins in the last three years, ISU has 14 all-sports crowns and has finished first, second, or third in 27 of the past 30 years.
Academically, Illinois State student-athletes continue to achieve high marks in the classroom during Brennan’s tenure. During the Spring 2022 semester, Redbird student-athletes compiled a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.27 during the Spring 2022 semester. Additionally, 321 Redbird student-athletes were named to the AFNI Honor Roll accounting for over 74 percent of the group, and a total of 112 student-athletes posted perfect 4.0 GPAs during the spring semester.
In the event Brennan chooses to leave Illinois State, he will owe the University a buyout of 25 percent of his annual salary at the time of resignation. If the University terminates the contract with cause, Brennan will not be owed any additional salary. If he is let go without cause, the University will pay Brennan his remaining salary, reduced—and potentially completely eliminated—by Brennan’s subsequent earnings in a new position.
