Fernando Lovo Named Colorado’s New Athletic Director, Ushering in a New Era for the Buffs
The University of Colorado has officially turned the page in its athletic department leadership. On Monday, CU announced the hiring of Fernando Lovo as its next athletic director - the seventh full-time AD in school history - and with it, a clear signal that the Buffs are aiming to be a major player in the rapidly evolving world of college athletics.
Lovo, 37, steps into the role with a five-year deal worth $1.2 million annually, making him the highest-paid athletic director in CU history. His contract includes a $600,000 base salary and another $600,000 in supplemental income tied to media and community engagement - a nod to the increasingly public-facing role of athletic directors in today’s landscape.
He officially begins his duties this Thursday, taking over for Rick George, who has led CU Athletics for the past 13 years and will stay on through the end of the academic year to help with the transition.
“I’m honored to join this incredible group of student-athletes, coaches and staff at a tremendous institution that strives for excellence and espouses the right values,” Lovo said in a statement. “We are in a time of extraordinary change in college athletics and Colorado should lead the way in shaping what comes next.”
That change isn’t just theoretical. Lovo will be immediately tasked with navigating CU through a financial crunch, all while steering the department through the uncharted waters of NIL, player movement, and revenue sharing. It’s a tall order - but Lovo brings a resume that suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
A Rising Star in College Athletics
Lovo arrives in Boulder after a short but impactful stint as athletic director at the University of New Mexico. Hired in December 2024, he wasted no time reshaping the Lobos' athletic identity. His hire of head football coach Jason Eck paid immediate dividends, with New Mexico posting a 9-4 record and earning a spot in the Rate Bowl - their first bowl appearance since 2016.
He also brought in men’s basketball coach Eric Olen, who had a strong track record at San Diego and has the Lobos off to a 10-2 start this season.
But Lovo’s influence went well beyond the sidelines. Under his leadership, UNM athletics saw a 17.6% increase in its operating budget and set records across the board - from ticket sales and multimedia rights to concessions and licensing revenue. The program also finished 49th in the Learfield Director’s Cup standings - the best finish by a Group of Five school in over a decade.
Academically, the Lobos thrived as well. UNM set a Mountain West record with 231 Scholar-Athlete selections (3.5 GPA or higher) and had 273 student-athletes named to the conference’s All-Academic Team (3.0 GPA or higher).
That kind of across-the-board success caught the eye of CU’s leadership.
“When we began our national search for a new Director of Athletics, we sought someone of high character, committed to the student-athlete experience who has an innovative approach to revenue generation,” CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “Fernando is a dynamic leader who is perfect for these dynamic times and embodies CU’s high standards and values.”
A Veteran of Big-Time Programs
Though his time at New Mexico was brief, Lovo isn’t new to high-level college athletics. He’s held key administrative roles at Texas (two separate stints from 2016-21 and 2021-24), the University of Houston, and Ohio State. He even spent time in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a chief of staff role.
Lovo is a University of Florida alum and brings both breadth and depth of experience across the college and pro ranks - something CU is clearly banking on as it prepares for a future where the lines between amateur and professional sports continue to blur.
Incentives, Expectations, and the Road Ahead
CU’s faith in Lovo isn’t just reflected in his base salary. The contract is packed with performance-based incentives, particularly around fundraising - a critical area for a department facing a projected budget deficit.
Among the benchmarks:
- $200,000 for raising $25 million by June 30, 2026
- Another $200,000 for raising $25 million during the 2027 fiscal year
- $200,000 more for hitting $30 million in 2028
- Additional bonuses up to $250,000 for even higher fundraising targets in 2029 and 2030
There are also incentives tied to academic success, attendance, and competitive achievements - all designed to align Lovo’s leadership with CU’s broader goals.
A New Chapter in Boulder
Lovo’s arrival marks the end of an era for Rick George, who led the Buffs through some of the most transformative years in college sports. George will stay on in an advisory role and continue to support head football coach Deion Sanders - a relationship that’s been critical to CU’s recent resurgence on the national stage.
Now, it’s Lovo’s turn to take the baton.
He’ll be charged with guiding Colorado through the next phase of college athletics - one that’s less about tradition and more about innovation, adaptability, and strategic vision. With a proven track record of elevating programs on and off the field, Lovo steps into the role with momentum and a clear mandate: build champions, balance the books, and lead CU into the future.
Buff Nation, a new era has officially begun.