Briar Cliff University Names Dan McDermott as New Athletic Director

(Sioux City, Iowa - November 12, 2025) Briar Cliff University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan McDermott as the next Director of Athletics, effective December 8, 2025. McDermott returns to The Cliff with more than 35 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, coaching, and sports administration.

McDermott is no stranger to Briar Cliff. From 1988 to 1997, he served as the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Professor of Health and Kinesiology, leading the Chargers to national prominence and leaving as the winningest coach in program history. He was later inducted into the Briar Cliff Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting impact on Charger athletics.

Throughout his career, McDermott has held a variety of administrative leadership roles across collegiate athletics. Recently, he served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities, Events, and Operations at Colorado Mesa University, where he also coached baseball and taught in the sport management program.

Prior to that, he spent nine years as the Head Baseball Coach at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and served 15 years as the Head Baseball Coach at Regis University in Denver. He left each school as the most winning coach in the history of the program. He served on a multitude of national leadership committees, including Chair on both the NAIA and NCAA levels. McDermott is a member of the Regis University Athletic Hall of Fame, and also the Colorado Dugout Club Hall of Fame.

"Dan's leadership philosophy is grounded in the values of teamwork, accountability, and service," said Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University. "We are thrilled to welcome him back to Sioux City and look forward to his vision for the future of Charger athletics."

McDermott holds a Master of Arts in Administration of Athletics, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Saint Mary's College of California, where he also earned his bachelor's degree.

As Athletic Director, McDermott will oversee all varsity and junior varsity athletic programs, athletic facilities, fundraising, enrollment management, marketing, strategic planning and operations for Briar Cliff athletics.

"It is with beyond gratitude to return to Briar Cliff, and Sioux City, places that have meant so much to our family both personally and professionally," McDermott said. "I'm excited to build on the proud tradition of Charger athletics and to support our student-athletes in achieving excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community."