The Buffs new figurehead hits the ground running.
Colorado's new AD Fernando Lovo has never been to Boulder, made life-changing decision off a video game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Colorado named New Mexico’s Fernando Lovo as its next athletic director, a life-changing decision sparked in part by a video game — despite the fact he has never been to Boulder.
The university’s board of regents approved a five-year contract Monday that will pay Lovo $1.2 million annually. He replaces Rick George, who has served since 2013 and will transition into an athletic director emeritus role. Lovo officially begins Jan. 1.
Lovo spent the past year as athletic director at University of New Mexico Lobos, where he hired football coach Jason Eck, who led the Lobos to their first nine-win season since 2016 in his debut campaign. Before that, Lovo completed a second stint as a Texas administrator after time in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Colorado chancellor Justin Schwartz said Deion Sanders played a role in the search, meeting with finalists and recommending candidates. Sanders met with Lovo, as did George, before the deal was done.
Boulder Daily Camera's Brian Howell said Lovo acknowledged he accepted the job without ever visiting Boulder or campus during the interview process. He said his early connection to the program came from selecting Colorado as his team in EA Sports College Football.
Chatted briefly with new Colorado AD Fernando Lovo today. Interesting that as of this afternoon, he has never been to Boulder and took the job without visiting. But, growing up, he would play the NCAA Football video game and would often pick CU as his team. #cubuffs
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) December 29, 2025
“Deion Sanders isn’t one who’s ever happy going 6-5, and Fernando’s got a deep competitive spirit,” Schwartz said. “I think they’re going to be great together.”
Lovo described his meeting with Sanders as “incredible,” emphasizing trust, alignment and unwavering support. A Florida alum, Lovo began his career in football operations at his alma mater before rising through administrative roles at Texas and beyond.
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Category: General Sports
