Dan Coonan, athletics director at Santa Clara University, is leaving the sports field to work as the executive director of development at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
On April 17, Santa Clara University announced Coonan’s decision to change careers after 11 years with the Jesuit school in Silicon Valley.
Coonan tweeted, “Bidding farewell to Santa Clara after 11 yrs. So privileged to have been AD here! On to a new cause and opportunity for major impact in LA.”
Coonan also said in a statement that he was thrilled to be returning to Los Angeles to work for the archdiocese in such a critical role. Coonan was previously a long time resident of L.A. After graduating from Notre Dame, he received a law degree from Loyola Law School. He then practiced law for eight years in Los Angeles.
During Coonan’s time with Santa Clara, the Broncos won the coveted West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Cup, an award given to the top overall athletics department in the conference. Participating schools include the University of San Diego, Brigham Young University and Pepperdine University.
Coonan and his wife Donna have three children: Claire, Tommy and Kevin.
