New Colorado AD Lays Out Vision After Joining Deion Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes have officially turned the page at the athletic director position, and the move signals a bold new chapter for the program. With longtime AD Rick George stepping into a special advisor role, Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders wasted little time naming his replacement. Their choice was someone they had been tracking closely all season: former University of New Mexico athletic director Fernando Lovo.

Lovo arrives in Boulder with a clear mission and a strong belief that Colorado can become a consistent championship contender. Speaking during his introductory press conference, the new AD stressed the importance of reconnecting with alumni and expanding the school’s donor base.

Lovo highlighted the size of Colorado’s alumni base and said the key moving forward is getting those supporters more involved, regardless of whether they are nearby or across the country. According to him, that responsibility starts at the top and depends on presenting a clear plan for the future.

Lovo added that unity across the program will be critical moving forward, saying he believes championships can become “the norm” if everyone pulls in the same direction.

That vision will be tested immediately. Colorado is facing a projected $27 million deficit for the 2026 fiscal year. A large portion of that comes from $20.5 million allocated for player compensation—the maximum allowed—and $10 million tied to Deion Sanders’ salary. While the athletic department hopes donations will reduce those numbers, the university may need more than $41 million if fundraising falls short.

Lovo’s track record suggests he may be up to the challenge. During his time at New Mexico, the Lobos captured eight Mountain West titles in 2025, more than any other school in the conference. The football team also enjoyed a strong season, finishing 9–4 overall and 6–2 in conference play, earning a No. 2 Midwest ranking.

Beyond wins, Lovo built valuable business relationships and boosted revenue, assets Colorado hopes to tap into quickly. His ability to attract talent was also evident, highlighted by hires like basketball coach Erin Olen, who opened his tenure with a 10–2 start.

Colorado backed its confidence in Lovo with a five-year contract worth $1.2 million annually, the highest AD salary in school history. Incentives are built in as well. Lovo can earn a $200,000 bonus if he raises $25 million by June 30, 2027, and another $250,000 if donations reach $40 million by 2030.

Interestingly, Lovo accepted the job without ever making an official visit to Boulder.

Lovo described the move as an ideal fit for both his career and his family, praising Boulder’s setting and expressing enthusiasm about continuing the progress already made within the athletic department.

While Lovo focuses on stabilizing the program financially, Sanders is aggressively working to upgrade the roster. After a nine-loss season and with 30 players entering the transfer portal, Colorado needs immediate help.

Sanders has already added San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero and is now targeting former Texas standouts CJ Baxter and DeAndre Moore Jr. According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Baxter is scheduled to visit Boulder between January 6 and 7. Despite injury setbacks, Baxter rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. Moore, who plans to visit during the same window, totaled 77 catches for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns across two seasons and has also drawn interest from Ohio State.

Baxter and Moore together totaled 1,843 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Whether those visits lead to commitments could play a major role in shaping Colorado’s immediate future under Sanders and its new athletic director.

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