UNM Athletic Director Fernando Lovo Heads to Colorado After Just 13 Months on the Job

It’s official AlamogordoTownNews.org has confirmed via official channels: After a whirlwind 13 months leading the University of New Mexico’s athletic department, 37-year-old Fernando Lovo is packing up for Boulder, taking the athletic director position at Big 12 powerhouse University of Colorado.

The move, announced Monday, December 29, 2025, comes as CU replaces longtime AD Rick George, who is stepping into an advisory role. Lovo’s five-year deal with the Buffaloes will pay him $1.2 million annually — a big jump from his $400,000 base at UNM — including $600,000 base salary plus additional funds for media and community obligations.

A Short But Impactful Tenure at UNM

Lovo was hired in December 2024, stepping in after Eddie Nuñez left for the University of Houston (another Big 12 school). In his brief time as Lobo AD, Lovo made waves:

• Hired football coach Jason Eck, who delivered UNM’s first nine-win season since 2016 and earned Mountain West Coach of the Year honors.

• Brought in men’s basketball coach Eric Olen, helping the team to strong early success.

• Oversaw a banner year for Lobo athletics: Eight Mountain West titles (most in the conference), a No. 49 finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup (best among Group of Five schools), and the nation’s biggest jump in football attendance.

The department also saw record revenue growth, with boosts in ticket sales, fundraising, and multimedia rights.

UNM President Garnett S. Stokes said in a statement: “We thank Fernando Lovo for his service to the University of New Mexico and wish him well in his next chapter. UNM Athletics has built meaningful momentum in recent years, and leadership movement is a normal outcome when programs are successful and gaining national attention.”

The Price of Leaving Early

Lovo’s UNM contract ran through 2029, so the move triggers a buyout estimated at nearly $800,000 (50% of remaining base salary). Reports indicate Colorado will cover it.

This is the second straight time a UNM AD has jumped to the Big 12 — Nuñez made a similar leap to Houston in 2024.

What It Means for Lobo Fans Statewide

While bittersweet, Lovo’s quick exit highlights UNM’s rising profile: Success breeds opportunity, but it also means turnover at the top. The Lobos are coming off one of their strongest athletic years in recent memory, with momentum in football, basketball, cross country, and more.

A national search for Lovo’s replacement will begin soon. In the meantime, the focus remains on sustaining that progress for student-athletes and fans across New Mexico.

Bottom Line

Fernando Lovo turned heads in just over a year at UNM, proving he’s one of college athletics’ rising stars. Now he’s taking that talent to Colorado, where he’ll oversee high-profile programs including Coach Prime Deion Sanders’ football team.

We wish him well — and hope the next Lobo AD builds on the strong foundation he’s leaving behind.

AlamogordoTownNews.org has reached out to UNM Athletics for comment on the transition timeline. We’ll keep you updated.

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