Fernando Lovo began his tenure as the Director of Athletics at the University of Colorado on January 1, 2026, after being hired unanimously by the CU Board of Regents to succeed Rick George.
Fernando Lovo’s appointment marks a new chapter for Colorado Athletics as the program navigates evolving priorities like revenue growth and name, image, and likeness (NIL) strategy.
Fernando Lovo’s Early Life, Education, and Family
Fernando Lovo was born in New Orleans and raised in Miami, giving him roots in two culturally rich and diverse Southern cities. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely publicized, Lovo’s family has been supportive of his career; his parents were present when he was introduced as Colorado’s new athletic director.
Lovo’s academic path began at the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government in 2010, followed by a Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management in 2012.
During his time at Florida, Lovo worked in football equipment and operations and was part of the Gators’ 2008 National Championship football team, an early influence on his professional mindset.
He is married to Jordan Lovo, and the couple has two children, Liam and Layla. Their family life plays a visible role in his public presence, as they often accompany him at key professional events.
Lovo’s Athletic Administration Career and Qualifications
Fernando Lovo’s career in collegiate athletics spans both major programs and professional sports. After graduating from Florida, Lovo served in critical operational and administrative roles at several high-profile institutions.
He worked at The Ohio State University from 2012 to 2015 as a Football Operations Coordinator, contributing to the environment that won the 2014 National Championship. He then joined the University of Houston as Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations from 2015 to 2016, where the program compiled a 22-5 record and built groundwork for future conference success.
Lovo’s administrative experience deepened during two stints at the University of Texas at Austin. Initially, he served as Chief of Staff for Football from 2016 through early 2021 before moving to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in the same role. He returned to Texas in late 2021 as Senior Associate Athletics Director, eventually becoming Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director-Operations, overseeing nearly half a billion dollars in capital projects and coordinating multiple sports.
In December 2024, Lovo became the Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of New Mexico, his first full athletic director role. There, he led a period of notable success: UNM won eight Mountain West Conference titles, finished 49th nationally in the Learfield Director’s Cup (the highest rank among Group of Five schools), and set academic and revenue records within just one year. He also made impactful coaching hires that boosted competitive performance.
Fernando Lovo’s Vision and Role as Colorado’s New AD
At Colorado, Lovo takes charge during a transformative era in college sports where NIL policies and revenue sharing significantly shape athletic department strategy. CU leaders have emphasized his commitment to both competitive success and financial sustainability as key reasons for his selection.
Lovo’s approach blends operational expertise with relationship building. At his introductory press conference, he stressed collaboration with coaches, staff, alumni, and the broader CU community.
He has also highlighted his intention to honor the university’s traditions and history while positioning Colorado Athletics to compete at the highest levels across all sports.
With a strong foundation in both the business and competitive sides of college athletics, Fernando Lovo brings a mix of strategic leadership and administrative depth to his role as Colorado’s athletic director. His background reflects years of progressive responsibility, and his family’s support continues to be part of his public journey in collegiate sports leadership.