Alamogordo NM
12-27-2025 11:32pm

Claim Colorado Set to Hire New Mexico’s Fernando Lovo as Next Athletic Director; UNM Issues Denial

Conflicting reports emerged Saturday evening regarding the University of Colorado’s search for a new athletic director, with multiple outlets claiming the Buffaloes have targeted – or even landed – current University of New Mexico AD Fernando Lovo to replace the retiring Rick George.

The speculation began with a breaking news post from DNVR Buffs, a popular Colorado-focused sports media account, stating: “New Mexico AD Fernando Lovo will be the next Colorado Athletic Director!” The post, credited to DNVR’s Ryan Koenigsberg, highlighted Lovo’s prior roles at Texas, Ohio State, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and quickly garnered significant engagement on social media.

Additional reports followed, including from Yahoo Sports national college football reporter Ross Dellenger, who stated Colorado is “targeting” Lovo, though noting no deal is finalized and approval from the UC Board of Regents would be required.

However, the University of New Mexico swiftly pushed back, releasing an official statement late Saturday: “The University of New Mexico is aware of media reports regarding potential professional opportunities involving UNM’s Athletic Director. At this time, no final decisions have been made and no changes to leadership have occurred. UNM Athletics continues to operate as normal, with a continued focus on supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Should there be any developments to share, the University will do so at the appropriate time.”

Local Albuquerque outlet KRQE reported that a source close to the situation indicated Lovo “will be departing Albuquerque for Boulder,” adding to the mixed signals.

Lovo, 36, was hired as UNM’s Vice President and Director of Athletics in December 2024, making his tenure just over one year. During that time, he oversaw significant achievements, including multiple coaching hires (such as football’s Jason Eck and men’s basketball’s Eric Olen), a record finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup for a Group of Five school, and the highest attendance increase in college football at University Stadium.

The potential move comes as Colorado’s long-time AD Rick George announced in November 2025 that he would step down at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, transitioning to a special advisory role. George, who hired head football coach Deion Sanders in 2022 and navigated CU’s return to the Big 12, leaves behind a department with record fundraising and revenue but facing ongoing challenges in NIL collectives and competitive performance.

As of late Saturday, neither Colorado nor Lovo has commented publicly beyond UNM’s denial. The situation remains fluid, with any official hire likely requiring regents’ approval and formal announcements from both institutions.

Additional Sources and Coverage:

• Heartland College Sports: Detailed breakdown of the denial and conflicting reports – https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2025/12/27/new-mexico-denies-report-that-colorado-has-hired-fernando-lovo-as-new-athletics-director/

• KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque): UNM statement and local sourcing on potential departure – https://www.krqe.com/sports/local-sports/unm-releases-statement-on-status-of-athletic-director-fernando-lovo/

• EssentiallySports: Profile on Lovo’s background amid the rumors – https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-who-is-fernando-lovo-all-about-potential-colorado-ads-past-career-family-net-worth-more/

• On3: Update including UNM’s statement – https://archive.is/S2Nr9

• Original X Post from DNVR Buffs: https://x.com/dnvr_buffs/status/2005096483595714870

This developing story underscores the high-stakes nature of athletic director searches in the evolving landscape of college athletics stay tuned to AlamogordoTownNews.org for further updates...

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