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Early Friday morning BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe spoke with the media as part of a semi-annual "state of BYU athletics" address.
While Tom didn't reveal any major breaking news, he did address a lot of topics that have been at the forefront of many BYU fans, from future schedules in multiple sports, to #branding updates.
UPDATE-We have added the audio of the interview so you can all here it from Tom himself!
As expected, there is no update on BYU possibly moving to the Big 12.
Regarding Big 12 expansion, or lack thereof, Holmoe said BYU conducts its business "privately" and will continue to do so. Didn't say much.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
Holmoe said that he didn't see the Big 12 vote as determining the future, the Big 12 just has options to do what they want w/o being forced.
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) January 29, 2016
In regards to the cancellation of the BYU / Utah basketball game next season, Tom downplayed the topic, only stating that he hopes to schedule Utah in the future.
Holmoe pretty much said he didn't want to discuss the Utah hoops scheduling cancellation. Just reiterated he wants to play the game.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
Holmoe did say he thinks the Utah-BYU basketball series will resume again down the road, but didn't give a specific year.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
Tom said that he and Chris Hill have been friends for a long time but he is disappointed in the decision to cancel rivalry series
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) January 29, 2016
There have been many that have suggested an in-state basketball tournament but Tom said it would take a lot to make that happen.
Holmoe on a holiday basketball tourney with instate schools: "It would take a lot of work to get than done." @For3JT has volunteered.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
That makes sense, given that juggling the logistics, financials and schedule balancing for multiple programs is not an easy task. There's a reason not many states have full-blown tournaments, even if they have lots of programs.
Tom also addressed BYU's previously scheduled games with Notre Dame and how he approaches future scheduling.
Holmoe said the 2nd 2-for-1 FB agreement with Notre Dame is off table, won't happen. Said BYU is "patient" that ND will return 2 BYU visits.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
Holmoe said he won’t schedule games into 2020’s right now unless it’s a really good game. Said he’s working on one he thinks fans will like.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 29, 2016
One fun internet rumor that has been pervasive on twitter and message boards is that BYU will be heading back to it's royal blue roots. Tom put the kibosh on that.
#BYU won’t be changing the colors back to royal blue. Said that’s one of the least of his worries.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 29, 2016
Holmoe said there has been "no discussion" at BYU about returning to royal blue as the school's primary color. Won't happen.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016
Tom addressed a few other odds and ends including fundraising, the new football staff and letting Bronco coach in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Holmoe said he’s noticed a jump in financial commitments from boosters and other resources. #BYU
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 29, 2016
Holmoe said #BYU had a great financial year in 2015. Thanked the fans for a large part of that.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 29, 2016
When asked about lack of CFB exp for this staff, Holmoe said that exp is important but there needs to be other strengths w/ uniqueness ofBYU
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) January 29, 2016
Holmoe on letting Virginia-bound Bronco Mendenhall coach in the Las Vegas Bowl: "I would do it again."
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) January 29, 2016