Technically, Rick George isn’t stepping away from his job as Colorado athletic director until the end of the school year in June. With Fernando Lovo officially introduced as his replacement on Monday, however, George has already turned over the keys to his office. Literally. “I’ve already moved out (of the office),” George told BuffZone. “We had it ready for him when he got here.” New University of Colorado athletics director Fernando Lovo, right, hugs outgoing athletics director Rick George, left, during an introductory press conference in the Nerdwallet Touchdown Club at the Dal Ward Athletic Center on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer) It’s not often that a new athletic director has the opportunity to work side-by-side with their predecessor, but that’s how George and Lovo will operate through June. “I’m so grateful for your support during this transition,” Lovo said to George during his introductory press conference Monday. “And I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work together because I can’t do it without you.” George, 65, has led the CU athletics department since July 17, 2013, but said he feels “really good” about his transition to a new role. He will become a special advisor to chancellor Justin Schwartz and director of athletics emeritus, a move he chose to make in November. “I haven’t been melancholy or anything like that,” he said. “That’s something that (my wife) Nancy and I wanted. We made that decision that we announced in November and today I…
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