Rick George has announced his impending retirement as the athletic director at the University of Colorado, marking the end of a significant era in CU Buffs athletics. George’s tenure, which began on August 12, 2013, saw transformative moments, achievements, and challenges that shaped the university’s sports programs.
Foundational Years and Early Challenges
George was appointed as the sixth full-time athletic director in Colorado’s history on July 17, 2013, succeeding Mike Bohn. His official first day in the role came just a month later, on August 12, 2013. Shortly after taking the helm, George faced a major crisis when a devastating flood hit Boulder from September 11 to 15, causing approximately $228 million in damage within the city limits. This disaster resulted in the cancellation of a football game against Fresno State, which was rescheduled for later in the season.
Despite these initial hurdles, George quickly celebrated success as the CU men’s cross country team won its first national title under his leadership on November 23, 2013. This victory marked the beginning of a successful period for the university’s athletic programs, with George overseeing five team national championships during his tenure, including titles in cross country and skiing.
Major Developments and Strategic Decisions
One of George’s significant achievements was the groundbreaking of the Champions Center on May 20, 2014. He played a pivotal role in raising half of the $156 million needed for the facility, which has since enhanced all aspects of CU athletics. In December 2015, he made his first head coach hire by appointing Jesse Mahoney as the head volleyball coach, followed by JR Payne for the women’s basketball team in March 2016.
A standout moment came on November 26, 2016, when the CU football team clinched the Pac-12 South title with a 27-22 victory over Utah. This marked the first sellout at Folsom Field in eight years and reignited hopes of a football resurgence in Boulder. However, on November 18, 2018, George announced the firing of head coach Mike MacIntyre after a disappointing season that followed a promising start.
In December 2018, George introduced Mel Tucker as the new football head coach. Although Tucker’s tenure was brief, lasting just one season, it was a turbulent period that set the program back as he left for Michigan State just 14 months later.
Navigating the Pandemic and Strategic Moves
The COVID-19 pandemic began impacting college sports shortly after CU participated in a men’s basketball game at the Pac-12 tournament on March 12, 2020. Over the following year, George managed various challenges, including budget constraints and health safety measures for athletes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining support systems for student-athletes, stating, “We provided for our student-athletes… I think we provided them good support from a mental health perspective.”
A major turning point in George’s career came on December 3, 2022, when he successfully recruited Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as the new head coach for the Buffaloes. Sanders’ arrival generated significant media attention and excitement, positioning Colorado football as a prominent topic in the college sports landscape even before the season began.
On March 20, 2023, the CU women’s basketball team achieved a historic victory, defeating Duke to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 20 years. This success further validated George’s decision to hire Payne, reinforcing his vision for returning the program to its former glory.
In a strategic move on July 27, 2023, George announced CU’s transition back to the Big 12 Conference effective for the 2024-25 school year. This move not only restored the Buffaloes’ former conference affiliation but also secured annual revenue of approximately $31.7 million through the Big 12’s media rights deal.
The excitement surrounding the football program reached new heights on September 2, 2023, when the Buffs defeated No. 17 TCU in a thrilling 45-42 victory, signaling a strong comeback for Colorado football. Although the team finished with a 4-8 record that season, George’s hiring of Sanders sparked increased attendance and engagement among fans.
Recent Highlights and Legacy
As George’s tenure nears its conclusion, the CU men’s basketball team made headlines on March 22, 2024, defeating Florida in a dramatic NCAA Tournament game. This victory underscored George’s commitment to revitalizing the basketball programs, as the team won a pair of tournament games for the first time since 1955.
On March 24, 2024, the success continued with the women’s team reaching the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. Both accomplishments reflect George’s strategic leadership in athletics.
In a controversial decision, George opted not to renew the contract of Mark Wetmore, the long-serving cross country and track coach, on June 25, 2024. Wetmore had led the program to eight national championships but faced scrutiny due to allegations of body-shaming abuse that prompted an internal investigation.
George’s legacy will also include the turnaround of the football program, culminating with Travis Hunter becoming Colorado’s second Heisman Trophy winner on December 14, 2024. This accolade capped a remarkable revival, as the Buffs improved from a 1-11 record in 2022 to a 9-4 finish in 2024, showcasing the impact of George’s strategic decisions.
As Rick George prepares for retirement, his influence on the CU Buffs will be felt for years to come, marked by significant achievements and the revitalization of several athletic programs. His tenure stands as a testament to the power of leadership and vision in collegiate athletics.
