The dust has settled since the announcement of athletic director Tom Holmoe's retirement after a 20-year career.
Press conferences were held, and the hiring process for the new face of BYU Athletics has begun.
But the search was paused Feb. 26 for a special occasion.
Governor Spencer Cox hosted Holmoe, BYU President Reese, football coach Kalani Sitake and others at the Utah Capitol to celebrate Holmoe's legacy of service, honoring him with a day in his name. Cox declared Feb. 26 "Tom Holmoe Day" as a token of gratitude for 20 years of service in the state of Utah.
Today, we honor @TomHolmoe for his remarkable leadership and lasting impact on @BYUAthletics. From national championships to BYU’s move to the Big 12, his legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and care for thousands of student-athletes. Wishing him the best in retirement! pic.twitter.com/7dpt66taXk
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) February 27, 2025
Governor Cox, Sitake, President Reese, and others, shared remarks dedicated to Holmoe's successes and character. The attendees also sang the Cougar Fight Song.
Holmoe's time as athletic director for the Cougars included several national championships, a successfully navigated pandemic, an invitation to a power conference for the first time, several coaching hires, a legendary run of Halloween costumes, and much more.
"Not only has Tom Holmoe done all the right things, more importantly, he did all of them in the right way," Cox said.
But what will Holmoe remember most from his career at BYU?
In his remarks at the Utah Capitol, Holmoe said, "When people ask me about what my highlights are being here at the athletic director for 20 years — without a shadow of a doubt, it's the people."
The online response to his retirement shows that "the people" felt like they were his highlight.
Holmoe's retirement was met with anecdotes from those who have worked with him throughout his tenure. Some had the opportunity to work with him closely and extensively; others just briefly.
BYU basketball legend Jonathan Tavernari shared one of his first experiences with Holmoe as a freshman.
"Tom has always been a call or text away since I arrived in Provo," he said.
One of my fondest memories of Tom
— Jonathan Tavernari (@For3JT) February 12, 2025
Holmoe is during my freshman year we had a team dinner scheduled in Deer Valley after a game, and I had to do a lot of media afterwards because I played well, and Tommy waited for me and we drove together from Provo to Deer Valley and just talked…
One X user shared a time when Holmoe complimented his shoes at a golf tournament.
The stories and gratitude from fans and friends continue to pour in.
"You can see what amazing things happen when you believe in each other, when you trust each other, and you love each other," Holmoe said.
Even on a day named in his honor, Holmoe refused to make it about himself.
Honored to spend the day at the Utah State Capitol with @BYUfootball @GovCox @utahsenate and @utahhousereps celebrating the legacy of our director of athletics @TomHolmoe pic.twitter.com/BL0nbGAKms
— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) February 27, 2025