Colorado Athletic Director Rick George Resigns as Deion Sanders’ Era Evolves

Rick George is stepping down from his role as the athletic director at the University of Colorado, effective at the end of the year. This announcement, made on Thursday, marks the conclusion of George’s tenure, which began in 2013. He will transition into a special adviser role for the chancellor, maintaining a connection with the university as it navigates the future of its athletic programs.

During his time at Colorado, George became the school’s sixth full-time athletic director. Before joining Colorado, he was the chief operating officer for the Texas Rangers, bringing a wealth of experience to the position. His leadership saw several coaching changes for the football team, including the hiring of notable coaches like Mike MacIntyre, Mel Tucker, and Karl Dorrell, culminating in the hiring of Deion Sanders from Jackson State.

The appointment of Sanders was a significant move for the Buffaloes, especially as he brought his sons and future Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to the team. Under Sanders, the program initially gained momentum, achieving a record of 4-8 in 2023 and a more impressive 9-4 in 2024. However, the current season has proven challenging, with the team struggling at 3-7 without Hunter and former quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Despite the mixed results on the field, the relationship between Sanders and George appeared to be positive. Sanders even humorously expressed his concerns regarding his schedule, indicating a level of camaraderie between the two. Following the successful 2024 season, Sanders received a contract extension worth $54 million over five years, which secures his position until 2029.

As Rick George prepares to move into his new advisory role, the University of Colorado faces a pivotal moment in its athletic department. The transition comes amid hopes of rejuvenating the football program and building on the foundation established under Sanders’ leadership. With George’s departure, the university will now look for new leadership to guide its athletic initiatives and continue the momentum that has been generated in recent years.