Colorado AD Rick George explains emotional decision to step down after 13 years

By the time next football season rolls around, Deion Sanders will have a new boss in charge of the Buffaloes athletics program. Rick George delivered that message himself, sending a heartfelt letter to supporters announcing that his 13 year run as Colorado’s athletic director will end in 2026.

In a story on CUBuffs.com, Chancellor Justin Schwartz praised George’s impact, saying, “He is a nationally respected leader who has always kept CU at the forefront of the dynamic and highly competitive landscape of college athletics. I am grateful for his leadership and am elated he has decided to stay on as a Special Advisor and AD Emeritus.”

George called the AD job “the honor of a lifetime” and made it clear the decision was one he arrived at only after long conversations with his wife. “After nearly 13 wonderful years,” he wrote, “I’ve decided to transition from my role as the University of Colorado’s Athletic Director at the end of the academic year.”

He said those internal talks began back in April before he approached Schwartz in August. According to George, both agreed that announcing the move now gives Colorado the runway it needs to conduct an orderly search. “I will ensure the transition to a new Athletic Director is as smooth as possible,” he told fans in the letter.

MORE: Rick George leaves no doubt on where he stands on Deion Sanders

George thanked Buffs fans repeatedly, calling them “the greatest fan base in the country” and saying he never once took their support for granted. He has been the public face of Colorado’s identity and evolution through realignment, NIL, and the constant churn reshaping modern college athletics.

“It is an unprecedented time in college athletics,” he wrote, while expressing confidence that Colorado is positioned to keep moving forward. That future now includes finding the person who will oversee the next phase of Sanders’ tenure and guide the broader department through the next wave of changes.

“Like you, I dearly love the University of Colorado,” George told supporters. “I look forward to celebrating more wins and more championships with you in the years to come.”

For Colorado fans, this announcement marks the beginning of a significant handoff. For Rick George, it was a moment to say thank you while setting the stage for the next era of Colorado athletics.

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