Omaha, NE, October 4, 2025

Creighton University Athletics has announced significant leadership promotions, elevating Tom Reilly to associate athletic director and Ashley Janssen to assistant athletic director for strategic initiatives. These roles focus on compliance, facilities management, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. The leadership changes aim to strengthen the department’s structure and support amidst growing conference demands and the evolving landscape of college sports.

Creighton University Athletics Announces Key Leadership Promotions

Omaha, NE – Creighton University Athletics recently announced significant leadership changes within its department, elevating two key figures to higher roles. Longtime director of operations Tom Reilly has been promoted to associate athletic director, where he will oversee compliance and facilities management. Additionally, women’s basketball coach Ashley Janssen has taken on the role of assistant athletic director for strategic initiatives, with a focus on name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. These moves aim to strengthen the department’s structure as it navigates increasing demands from conference competition and evolving college sports landscape.

Details of the Promotions

The promotions recognize individuals with extensive experience within Creighton Athletics. Tom Reilly, who has served as director of operations for many years, brings a deep understanding of daily operations to his new position. His responsibilities in compliance will ensure adherence to regulatory standards, while facilities management will address infrastructure needs for various sports programs. This dual oversight is expected to streamline processes and improve efficiency across athletic facilities on campus.

Ashley Janssen’s expanded role complements her ongoing duties as women’s basketball coach. By adding assistant athletic director for strategic initiatives, she will lead efforts to develop NIL opportunities, helping student-athletes leverage their personal brands for financial and professional growth. This position highlights the growing importance of NIL in college athletics, allowing Creighton to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining talent.

University Leadership’s Perspective

Creighton University President Fr. Daniel Hendrickson described the promotions as a vital step in modernizing the athletics department. The changes align with broader goals to enhance resources and support systems, particularly as the Big East Conference continues to raise the bar for member institutions. These internal advancements are seen as a proactive approach to meeting these challenges head-on, without the need for external hires.

Reactions from the Community

Student-athletes and alumni have voiced support for the leadership shifts, viewing them as positive developments that will boost Creighton’s standing in intercollegiate sports. The focus on compliance, facilities, and NIL initiatives is anticipated to create a more robust support network, benefiting teams across the board. Excitement is particularly high among those involved in women’s basketball and other Olympic sports, where enhanced strategic planning could lead to improved performance and visibility.

Impact on Creighton Athletics Programs

The promotions come at a time when Creighton is expanding its athletic offerings, including football’s growth and sustained investment in Olympic sports. With Reilly handling compliance and facilities, the department can better manage the logistical demands of hosting games, practices, and events. Janssen’s work on NIL will equip athletes with tools to navigate modern opportunities, potentially attracting top recruits to Omaha.

These changes are part of a larger effort to adapt to the dynamic nature of college athletics. The Big East’s competitive environment requires institutions like Creighton to innovate in administration and athlete support. By promoting from within, the university maintains continuity while injecting fresh perspectives into leadership roles.

Background on Creighton University Athletics

Creighton University, located in Omaha, Nebraska, fields teams in the Big East Conference across a wide range of sports. The athletics department oversees programs in basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and more, with a strong emphasis on academic success alongside athletic achievement. Over the years, Creighton has built a reputation for competitive teams, particularly in men’s and women’s basketball, which have made deep runs in NCAA tournaments.

The recent promotions reflect ongoing efforts to professionalize operations in response to national trends in college sports. Issues like NIL rights, conference realignments, and facility upgrades are reshaping how athletic departments function. Creighton’s approach prioritizes internal talent development, ensuring that leaders like Reilly and Janssen can guide the program through these transitions.

As Creighton Athletics moves forward, these leadership enhancements are expected to foster a more agile and athlete-centered environment. The focus on strategic initiatives positions the Bluejays to capitalize on opportunities in recruiting, fundraising, and competitive performance. With the Big East season underway, these changes could contribute to sustained success for Creighton teams.

Broader Context in College Sports

Leadership promotions like these are not uncommon in college athletics, where departments often promote internally to maintain institutional knowledge. At Creighton, the timing aligns with preparations for upcoming seasons, including basketball campaigns that draw significant local and national attention. The emphasis on NIL underscores a shift in how universities support their athletes’ holistic development, balancing athletic, academic, and personal growth.

Omaha’s sports community, which includes nearby programs at the University of Nebraska and other institutions, benefits from such advancements. Creighton’s moves signal stability and ambition, potentially influencing how other mid-major programs structure their leadership. As the department implements these changes, monitoring their impact on team performances and athlete satisfaction will be key.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key leadership promotions at Creighton University Athletics?

Longtime director of operations Tom Reilly has been elevated to associate athletic director, overseeing compliance and facilities management. Additionally, women’s basketball coach Ashley Janssen added the title of assistant athletic director for strategic initiatives, focusing on NIL opportunities for student-athletes.

Why were these promotions announced?

The moves aim to modernize Bluejays athletics amid growing conference demands, recognizing proven leaders to drive the vision forward.

How do these changes affect student-athletes at Creighton?

The promotions are expected to bolster resources for Olympic sports and football’s expansion, with enhanced focus on NIL opportunities to support athlete development.

What conference does Creighton University Athletics compete in?

Creighton competes in the Big East Conference.

Key Features of Creighton Athletics Leadership Promotions

Promotion	Individual	Previous Role	New Responsibilities
Associate Athletic Director	Tom Reilly	Director of Operations	Oversight of compliance and facilities management
Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives	Ashley Janssen	Women’s Basketball Coach	Focus on NIL opportunities for student-athletes

This chart summarizes the core elements of the promotions, highlighting how they enhance departmental operations and athlete support.

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