Five days after Fernando Lovo was hired as the athletic director at New Mexico 13 months ago, the Lobos’ football coach left and he was tasked with finding a new one. Lovo likely won’t have to worry about that at Colorado, as Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has four years remaining on the con tract extension he signed less than a year ago. As CU’s new athletic director, though, Lovo is eager to work with Sanders to get the football program on the winning track. CU went 9-4 in 2024, but slipped to 3-9 this past season and hasn’t been to back-to-back bowl games in 20 years. “I think (Sanders) would obviously be the first person to admit that last year didn’t meet his expectations and I know he’s shared that,” Lovo told BuffZone this week. Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, left, chats with athletic director Rick George during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Colorado and Southern California on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) While Lovo, who worked at Texas before his one year at New Mexico, hasn’t been around CU or Sanders in the past, he’s been well aware of the Buffaloes because of the national attention on the program during Sanders’ three seasons in Boulder. “The visibility and the notoriety and the excitement that he’s created around CU football is palpable,” Lovo said. “Everywhere I’ve been, you can’t go very long without hearing about CU football, and that’s a testament to him and just the great coach that he is and how he goes about his business.” As Lovo begins his new job, there is plenty to do, including generating more revenue for the athletic program. Getting the football program going is a high priority, though. “Obviously we have high expectations,” Lovo said. “I know nobody has higher expectations than (Sanders), and that’s my job to support that and help us chase championships. Just look at a year ago: nine wins, in the national conversation, Fox Big Noon, Heisman Trophy winner, that whole deal. The power of that is really impactful. I know that’s where we’re going to get back to, and I’m going to do everything in my power to support that.” Lovo had a chance to talk with Sanders during the process of becoming CU’s new athletic director, but said he’s eager to get to Boulder and work with Sanders. “When I get there, we’re going to dive in, and I’m going to be fully supportive of whatever’s needed to continue to elevate the program,” Lovo said. “So it’s been great getting to connect with him, and it was awesome to speak with him during the process, and I’m really looking forward to getting to work. “When we get to the season, I have full confidence that we’re gonna have a great year. We’re going to be extremely competitive, and we’re going to put a good product on the field for our fans, and they’re going to love it. I’m looking forward to that.” In addition to Sanders, CU has several other coaches who are entrenched in their positions. Tad Boyle (men’s basketball), JR Payne (women’s basketball), Danny Sanchez (women’s soccer), Jesse Mahoney (women’s volleyball), Roy Edwards (men’s golf) and Ann Elliott Whidden (women’s lacrosse) have all been at CU for at least 10 seasons. Lovo hired four coaches in his one year at New Mexico – in football, men’s basketball, soccer and volleyball – and said having so many veteran coaches at CU allows him to focus on other important aspects of the job. Related Articles Increasing revenue will be top priority for new Colorado AD Fernando Lovo Colorado QB Ryan Staub plans to enter transfer portal ‘I want to win’: New Colorado AD Fernando Lovo eager to lead Buffaloes Colorado Buffs officially announce Fernando Lovo as new athletic director Colorado targets New Mexico’s Fernando Lovo in AD search “It’s a big advantage,” he said. “It’s something I’m excited about. Credit to (outgoing AD Rick George) and his team for hiring great coaches and being able to keep them there. …  It’s good for us to be able to dive in with them, as well, and see in the midst of how we’re trying to generate more revenue and do different things, how we help them, how we help their programs.” While some athletic directors like to have coaches they hired, Lovo said he’s eager to work with the coaches already in place at CU. “I’m a firm believer that it’s a job of an administrator to just pour in to the coaches that are on your team and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” he said. “I was able to connect with almost all of them over the phone (this week), and it just reinforced what I thought I knew when I was exploring this opportunity, that there’s great coaches here, and I’m just so excited to work with them and really see how I can help elevate their programs.” ...read more read less