The University of Colorado Boulder has officially named Fernando Lovo as its new Director of Athletics, CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced today. Lovo, who joins CU from the University of New Mexico, was approved unanimously by the CU Board of Regents and will assume the role on January 1, 2026.
Lovo succeeds longtime athletics leader Rick George, who will transition into an Athletic Director Emeritus role following years of service to the Buffaloes.
A Leader for a New Era of College Athletics
Chancellor Schwartz emphasized that the national search focused on identifying a leader with integrity, vision, and a student-first approach.
“When we began our search, we were looking for someone of high character who is deeply committed to the student-athlete experience and brings an innovative approach to revenue generation,” Schwartz said. “Fernando is a dynamic leader for dynamic times. He has a proven record of competitive and academic success, and he embodies CU’s values. We are thrilled to welcome Fernando and his family to the Buffalo family.”
Success at the University of New Mexico
Lovo joined New Mexico in December 2024 as Vice President and Director of Athletics and quickly made an impact. Under his leadership, the Lobos captured eight Mountain West championships, the most of any conference school during the 2024–25 season.
UNM finished 49th nationally in the 2024–25 Learfield Director’s Cup, ranking first among all Group of Five programs. The Lobos continued their momentum into the current season, finishing the fall ranked 20th, again leading all G5 institutions.
Academic achievement was equally impressive. New Mexico student-athletes earned:
- 231 Scholar-Athlete selections, a Mountain West record (minimum 3.5 GPA)
- 273 All-Academic Team honors, awarded to student-athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Lovo’s Vision for Colorado
Lovo expressed gratitude and excitement about joining CU Boulder during a transformative period in college athletics.
“I’m honored to join this incredible group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff at a world-class institution that strives for excellence and upholds the right values,” Lovo said. “College athletics is changing rapidly, and Colorado should help lead the way forward. I look forward to supporting our student-athletes in every aspect of their lives while bringing championships to Buff Nation.”
He also acknowledged the leadership that came before him, calling Rick George “one of the legendary athletic directors in the country.”
Immediate Impact Through Coaching Leadership
One of Lovo’s first major decisions at New Mexico was hiring a new football coach. He selected Jason Eck, who led the Lobos to a 9–3 regular season, their first nine-win campaign since 2016, and a berth in the Rate Bowl against Minnesota. Eck was named Mountain West Coach of the Year.
Lovo also hired Eric Olen as men’s basketball head coach, a move widely praised across college basketball. The Lobos opened the current season with a 10–2 record, signaling another strong year.
Driving Revenue Growth
Beyond wins and academics, Lovo delivered historic financial growth at UNM. The athletic department increased its operating budget by 17.6% from FY25 to FY26, setting records in:
- Ticket sales
- Multimedia rights
- Parking and concessions
- Trademark and licensing revenue
- Lobo Club fundraising
Extensive Experience at Elite Programs
Before New Mexico, Lovo spent two stints at the University of Texas at Austin, holding multiple senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director – Operations, overseeing nearly $500 million in capital projects while coordinating multiple varsity sports.
Earlier in his career, Lovo worked as Chief of Staff for Football at Texas, later holding the same role with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
He began his collegiate athletics career at the University of Florida, where he worked in football operations and was part of the 2008 National Championship team. Lovo later served at Ohio State University, contributing to the Buckeyes’ 2014 National Championship, and at the University of Houston, where he helped lay the groundwork for the program’s move to the Big 12.
Education and Personal Background
Lovo earned both his bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in sport and fitness administration from the University of Florida.
A native of New Orleans, Lovo grew up in Miami. He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.
As Fernando Lovo prepares to take the helm, CU Boulder Athletics enters a new era defined by competitive excellence, academic achievement, and forward-thinking leadership.
