UNM Promotes Interim AD Berryman to Full-Time Role

Berryman seen as the right leader for Lobos athletics during uncertain times

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of New Mexico has promoted Ryan Berryman from interim athletic director to the full-time role, a move that has been widely praised. Berryman is seen as the ideal candidate to guide the Lobos' athletics department through a period of uncertainty, as the school remains in the Mountain West Conference but faces the prospect of conference realignment in the coming years.

Why it matters

UNM athletics is entering a crucial phase, with the school remaining in the Mountain West Conference but facing the potential for significant conference realignment in the next five years. Berryman's promotion provides stability and experienced leadership during this unsettled time for the department.

The details

Berryman had been serving as the interim athletic director at UNM. His promotion to the full-time role was announced on Wednesday and has been widely praised as the right move for the university. Berryman is seen as the ideal candidate to guide the Lobos' athletics department through the uncertainty of potential conference realignment in the coming years.

  • Berryman was promoted from interim to full-time athletic director on March 5, 2026.

The players

Ryan Berryman

The new full-time athletic director at the University of New Mexico, having previously served in an interim role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's the right candidate at the right time for a department entering one of the most uncertain periods of its modern history.”

— Will Webber, Author (santafenewmexican.com)

The takeaway

Berryman's promotion provides much-needed stability and experienced leadership for the UNM athletics department as it navigates the uncertain landscape of potential conference realignment in the coming years.