The University of Colorado appears to be closing in on a major hire that could reshape the future of its athletic department. Multiple reports indicate that Fernando Lovo, currently the athletic director at the University of New Mexico, has emerged as the frontrunner for the same role in Boulder. While the move hasn’t been finalized-approval from the University of Colorado Board of Regents is still pending-the momentum is clearly building in Lovo’s direction.
At just 37 years old, Lovo’s rise through the ranks of college athletics has been impressive and intentional. His résumé reads like a tour of high-level programs: Florida, Houston, Ohio State, Texas, and even a stint in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That blend of Power Four experience and professional-level operations gives him a rare perspective-one that’s increasingly valuable in today’s evolving college sports landscape.
Lovo took over at New Mexico in December 2024, and he didn’t waste any time making his presence felt. In just his first year, the Lobos won six Mountain West titles-tying for the fourth most in school history-and shattered academic records in conference all-academic and scholar-athlete selections. That’s not just winning on the field; that’s building a culture that values performance across the board.
He also made two of the most decisive coaching hires of the offseason. Just weeks into the job, Lovo landed Jason Eck to lead the football program-a bold move that paid off quickly.
New Mexico finished 9-4, capped by a hard-fought bowl game that signaled the program is on the rise. Then came Eric Olen, poached from UC San Diego to head the men’s basketball team.
Across the sport, that hire was widely praised as one of the savviest moves of the year.
And it wasn’t just wins and hires-Lovo delivered financially, too. Under his leadership, UNM Athletics posted a record-setting revenue year.
Ticket sales, multimedia rights, parking, concessions, licensing, and Lobo Club fundraising all hit new highs. That kind of across-the-board growth doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the product of vision, alignment, and execution.
That’s where the contrast with Colorado becomes impossible to ignore. Despite the national spotlight that’s been shining on Boulder-largely thanks to the Deion Sanders effect-the Buffs haven’t turned that attention into sustainable financial momentum.
NIL initiatives have lagged, fundraising hasn’t kept pace, and the program has struggled to convert visibility into infrastructure. In short, Colorado has been loud, but not always effective.
Lovo’s track record suggests he could be the one to change that. When he was introduced at New Mexico, he emphasized alignment and sustainability-two things Colorado desperately needs.
“My commitment is to foster an environment where our programs can thrive, and our student-athletes can excel in all aspects of their lives,” he said at the time. That’s a mission that resonates far beyond one campus.
Naturally, as Lovo’s name surfaced in connection with Colorado, the speculation started swirling. Some fans began wondering if Jason Eck could eventually follow his former boss to Boulder.
It’s not hard to see why-Colorado has resources New Mexico simply can’t match. But for now, that’s just noise.
What matters most is the direction of the athletic department, and Lovo’s potential arrival signals a serious shift in tone and strategy.
Then there’s the Deion Sanders dynamic. Sanders arrived in Boulder with unprecedented autonomy and visibility, essentially becoming the face of the entire university’s athletic brand.
That won’t change overnight. But a new athletic director brings a new layer of oversight, evaluation, and long-term planning.
It’s not about diminishing Sanders-it’s about creating a structure where the entire department can thrive.
If the hire goes through, Lovo won’t just be stepping into a high-profile role-he’ll be stepping into one of the most unique leadership dynamics in college sports. And if his track record is any indication, he’s ready for it.