Staff Directory

Brent Blaylock

Title:
Director of Athletics

Brent Blaylock was named Director of Athletics at the University of San Francisco on June 9, 2026.

Blaylock comes to the Hilltop with more than 20 years of experience working in the athletics programs of large state universities, including University of Kansas, University of Arizona, and, most recently, as executive deputy athletic director at Oregon State University.

At Oregon State, Blaylock led the athletics department's operational budget process and internal operations, including student-athlete development, diversity and inclusion, compliance and governance, and capital projects. He also led performance and competitiveness initiatives, which were reflected in increases in the number of OSU teams making postseason appearances and conference championships.

Prior to that, at the University of Arizona from 2017-24, Blaylock led the sports administration program and had oversight of team operations across all 22 sports to ensure program support in finance, personnel, and operations. Blaylock was a member of the Arizona Athletics leadership team with responsibilities that included building and leading The Arizona EDGE program for NIL fundraising. He also was instrumental in hiring coaches and overseeing the internal operations of the department.

Blaylock graduated from the University of North Carolina with a management degree and minor in coaching education. He holds a master's degree in sport management from the University of Texas and an MBA from the University of Arizona. He and his wife, Kate, have a 7-year-old son, Jack.

What they are saying about Blaylock:

Joth Ricci
Executive in residence, College of Education, Oregon State University
"Brent is a results-oriented leader who thinks creatively about all aspects of an athletic department. He has a unique ability to be relationships-oriented, a strong decision maker and analytical while being the biggest fan. He will serve USF at a high level."

Tommy Lloyd
Head Men's Basketball Coach, University of Arizona
2026 Final Four, 2022 Associated Press and 2026 Sporting News National Coach of the Year
"The University of San Francisco has made a great hire in choosing Brent Blaylock to lead their athletic department. He was a tremendous asset to our program when I got to Arizona, helping us build the foundation and the culture to set us up for success and I know he is prepared to do that same at USF."

Laura Ianello
Head Women's Golf Coach, University of Texas
2018 National Champion
"The University of San Francisco has made an outstanding hire. Brent has a unique ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, build meaningful relationships, and position programs for success. He genuinely cares about student-athletes, invests in the success and well-being of coaches, and finds the right balance between support and accountability. I know I became a better coach because of his investment in me and our program. Brent is an exceptional leader, and I have no doubt USF will accomplish great things under his leadership."