Colorado Names New Mexico’s Fernando Lovo as Next Athletic Director.

Colorado has announced Fernando Lovo, currently at the University of New Mexico, as its next athletic director, signing him to a five-year contract worth $1.2 million per year. The University of Colorado Board of Regents approved the contract on Monday. Lovo spent the past year at New Mexico after completing his second tenure in administrative roles at Texas. During his time with the Lobos, he hired head football coach Jason Eck, who guided the team to its first nine-win season since 2016. He succeeds Rick George, who has been Colorado’s athletic director since 2013 and will transition into an emeritus role. George previously hired Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who will enter his fourth season as the Buffaloes’ head coach next fall. Lovo’s tenure officially begins on January 1. Colorado Chancellor Justin Schwartz praised Lovo as “a dynamic leader who is perfect for these dynamic times” and noted his history of supporting student-athletes both academically and athletically. Sanders also participated in the search process, meeting with candidates and recommending potential names. Lovo met with both Sanders and George prior to the final agreement.

Lovo described his meeting with Sanders as “incredible” and emphasized the importance of trust and alignment with coaches. He expressed full support for Sanders, stating he will work closely to back the football program. Lovo began his career in football operations at Florida, his alma mater, and served as Texas’ chief of staff for football from 2016 until joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in the same role in 2021.

He later returned to Texas as a senior associate athletic director before moving to New Mexico.