DENVER (AP) — University of Colorado athletic director Rick George said: hired football coach Deion Sanderswill be leaving that role at the end of the school year.
The university announced the decision Thursday along with the football team during its bye week. Mr George will move into an advisory role to the Prime Minister and serve as Honorary Director of Athletics. He plans to help raise funds for the department.
George was appointed Colorado State’s athletic director in July 2013. One of George’s biggest moves was the December 2022 hiring of Sanders, a former NFL star known as Coach Prime, who revitalized a struggling football program. George also oversaw the school’s transition from the Pac-12 Conference back to the Big 12.
“After much thought and discussion with my family dating back to last spring, I decided it was time for new leadership to lead the department,” George said in a statement. “I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure a smooth transition and look forward to continuing in my new role as I wanted to time my announcement so that I could support Coach Prime and the football team this season.”
George lured Sanders from Jackson State to Boulder, and the stands at Folsom Field have been packed ever since. The Buffaloes are also regulars on the major networks. Colorado State is 16-19 since Sanders took over and is 3-7 this season.
George has a deep bond with the football team. He began his career at Colorado in 1987, where head coach the late Bill McCartney named him recruiting coordinator. George was promoted to assistant athletic director for football operations after the Buffs finished the 1989 regular season (later losing to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl). The following season, Colorado defeated Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, winning football’s only national championship.
Shortly thereafter, George went to Vanderbilt as associate athletic director for external affairs. He then worked on the PGA Tour and then in the front office of the Texas Rangers before returning to Colorado as athletic director.
In addition to bringing in Sanders, George hired women’s basketball coach J.R. Payne, who led the team to at least 20 wins in four consecutive seasons. Under George’s coaching, the Buffaloes won national titles in skiing (2015, 2024), men’s cross country (2014) and women’s cross country (2018). He also served on several NCAA committees.
“The University of Colorado is a special place, and I will always cherish the great relationships I have built during my time here in Boulder,” George said.
On campus, George oversaw construction of the UCHealth Champions Center and raised $100 million for the venture. The center is home to athletics administration, football programs, Olympic sports, and the Colorado Sports Medicine and Performance Center.
“He brings great business acumen to an increasingly complex college sports environment,” said University of Colorado President Todd Suliman. “His impact will be felt for years to come.”
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