Kyle Brennan resigns as Athletic Director of ISU

Photo provided by Illinois State University

NORMAL, Ill. – Interim President Aondover Tarhule announced that Illinois State University Athletics Director Kyle Brennan has resigned effective April 30.

Brennan was appointed to the Athletics Director position in December of 2020, making his term as athletic director for the university 28 months. Brennan signed a contract extension in the Summer of 2022 worth $1.2 million, netting him a yearly salary of $242,892 with the contract’s expiration date in 2027.

In a story released by WGLT Brennan and Deputy Athletics Director Mark Muhlhauser allegedly spent over $23,000 worth of donor money on a trip that did not meet the standards of the University’s core values.

“I want to thank Kyle for the energy and dedication he brought to this position,” said Tarhule. “Under his leadership Redbird athletes have achieved great success in the classroom and in competitions. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

This surprising resignation comes in the wake of Terri Goss Kinzy’s surprising resignation in February after serving just under two years as president of the university.

In the meantime, all ISU athletics staff will report to Aondover Tarhule until the athletic director position has been filled.

Similar to the search for the ISU’s next president, a national search will be conducted in order to fill the position. The university has not announced any candidates for the position at this time.