Deion Sanders enters the spotlight at Colorado following a lackluster 2025 season that has put a rebuild firmly on the table, even as real doubts linger about his long term future in Boulder. Those concerns intensified after longtime athletic director Rick George stepped down, creating uncertainty around the program’s leadership.
In January, 2026, CU moved to stabilize the situation by appointing Fernando Lovo as the new athletic director. During his introductory press conference this week, Lovo addressed the state of Colorado football and dropped clear hints about Deion Sanders’ role in the program’s direction moving forward.
Deion Sanders Gains Strong Backing as CU AD Fernando Lovo Pledges Support
Deion Sanders is in a strong position at Colorado, with new athletic director Fernando Lovo signaling he’s a big fan and ready to back him financially. Lovo may still be finding his footing in Boulder, but he recognizes Sanders’ value.
“With Coach Prime’s national notoriety and who he is as a person… I think is a real advantage for us,” Lovo said at his introductory news conference.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting Sanders’ reach and influence: “It’s on us as administrators to provide him with the resources he needs… it’s a really special dynamic to have, and I’m excited to leverage that.” For Deion Sanders, that means his vision for the Buffaloes can move forward even amid challenges.
CU’s athletic department faces a projected $27 million deficit by the end of the year, partly due to a $20.5 million revenue share with athletes. Lovo is already exploring ways to raise funds without making cuts, showing that backing Sanders is both a financial and strategic priority.
With his new boss committed to giving him the tools and resources he needs, Deion Sanders is set to lead Colorado football with both influence and support.
Deion Sanders’ Future at CU Gets a Boost With AD Fernando Lovo at the Helm
Fernando Lovo steps into Colorado’s athletic director role with a clear mission: put student-athletes first while strengthening every program, including Deion Sanders’ football team.
“Every decision that we’re going to make is keeping our student-athletes first,” Lovo said. He acknowledged the available talent and wide pool of sports, saying that they’re, “well-positioned to win championships, and we’re going to continue down that pathway.”
His approach signals both support for Sanders and a broader plan to elevate CU athletics.
Lovo succeeds Rick George, now moving into an AD emeritus role, and has wasted no time getting acquainted with the department, with George providing guidance during his transition.
He inked a five-year deal worth $1.2 million annually plus performance incentives tied to academic benchmarks and fundraising goals, including a $200,000 bonus for raising $25 million by the end of June.
“To me, this is a destination job,” Lovo said, noting the university’s strong academic reputation and iconic brand.
Lovo also shared his focus together with other leaders to help Colorado’s “student athletes, supporting them athletically, personally, and in preparing them for life beyond sports.”
Before coming to Boulder, Lovo spent a year as New Mexico’s athletic director, where he quickly turned heads by hiring football coach Jason Eck, who led the Lobos to nine wins and a bowl game, and men’s basketball coach Eric Olen, who has the team at 11-3 this season.
With his track record and focus on resources, leadership, and student success, Lovo is setting the stage for Deion Sanders to operate with the support he needs.
Colorado athletics now has a director ready to back programs, build infrastructure, and pursue championships, making it clear the Buffaloes’ future is in capable hands.
Also Read: Colorado Football Coaching Staff Changes: Deion Sanders Replaces OC Pat Shurmur and More