On Monday, the University of Colorado introduced Fernando Lovo as the athletic director successor to Rick George. George announced in 2025 that he would be stepping down from the Athletic Director title and would talk on an advisory role with the program.
Lovo was introduced by CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz. The Chancellor described the AD search as being both short and exhaustive. The board and Schwartz specifically wanted a few things from the new athletic director that were non-negotiables.
The new athletic director needed to be a person with great integrity. A person who wants to be successful, but not at the cost of the CU ethical standards. Despite where money generating sports are currently, academics must remain the focus.
The new athletic director would also need to be a “community builder”, with a focus on building relationships with donors, sponsors and alumni. The business aspects of the NIL era also need to be a focus.
“It’s a great day to be a Buff”, Lovo said. “Rick George you are a Triton in this industry”, he added. When Lovo took the podium there was energy and excitement surrounding his new opportunity as the CU Athletic Director. Lovo spoke of the academic standard and expectations laid long before his arrival. Further adding that they will have a “holistic” approach to the academic part of the ‘student-athlete’ dynamic.
Lovo also maintained that he intends to proceed with the goal of making all the athletic programs championship caliber, not just the ones that generate the most revenue. “Colorado athletics will reflect the ambitions, values, and pride of this University and of the people we represent” said Lovo.
He also spoke of traditions stating, “traditions, they matter here, but so do expectations.” Traditions and even alumni inclusion have been significant concerns that have been voiced recently. Some traditions have been upheld in recent years, while some have been glossed over. A strict objection to red on campus is an example of traditions that haven’t been strictly adhered to in recent years.
Lovo plans to win with values, tradition and adaptability
One tradition that goes even beyond bitter rivals is the running of Ralphie. Or “Run Ralphie Run” for those who attend Colorado games in Boulder. The tradition of Ralphie the Buffalo is world famous and is the one Colorado tradition that need not be explained. With the Buffaloes head coach in attendance, Love addressed that specific tradition.
“I can’t wait to stand in Folsom Field and see Ralphie run for the first time. Coach Prime! I’m coming out right behind you baby!”
Lovo takes over for the departing Rick George at a unique and important time for CU athletics. Lovo has significant shoes to fill but also faces some challenges. The program is facing a noteworthy financial deficit. There are also two opposing philosophies within the earning sports. Football led by Coach Prime are pro-NIL while not having an impressive NIL budget. Conversely, NIL has been received as an almost sensitive subject as it pertains to the respective basketball programs.
In addition to innovation and adaptability, two words both Schwartz and Lovo referenced, there was another thematic pair of words mentioned. Alignment and creativity. Alignment could prove to be critical. Without going into detail, the program’s sports have not exactly been aligned in concept or practice. If Lovo can create a dynamic where all sports are aligned on a subject like NIL, Lovo could create a “rising tied lifts all boats” situation.
Exiting AD Rick George will be directly involved in the transition. Lovo mentioned rolling up their sleeves and working together during the transition. Lovo brings several accomplishments with him from New Mexico. Including the business relationship aspects that allowed New Mexico to see a rise in those business relationships and an increase in program revenue.
Coach Prime and the Buffaloes football program have been active in the transfer portal. Today adding Dylan Manuel, Naeten Mitchell, and Balansama Kamara to the six announced over the weekend. The Buffaloes have nine more days in the open transfer portal window, before they begin to prep Spring Ball.
More college football news:
- Oregon's Dan Lanning rips College Football Playoff, calls for major changes
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss
- ESPN's grade for LSU hiring Lane Kiffin will make Ole Miss fans even more mad
- Dabo Swinney fires Clemson coaches immediately after loss to Penn State
- Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after Cotton Bowl