It was Colorado AD Rick George who brought Deion Sanders to Boulder, famously saying Coach Prime would be the last football coach he ever hired, and maybe he meant it. After two previous hires fizzled, Sanders became the statement move that defined his tenure, as George is now heading toward a new role. With that, while Colorado will soon have a new leader steering the ship next season, why did George step down from his role?

The longtime Buffs boss announced he’ll step aside in 2026, closing the book on a 13-year run. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as athletic director for the University of Colorado for the last 13 years, but after considerable thought and discussions with my family dating back to last spring, I have decided it is time for new leadership to guide the department,” said George on Thursday in a statement.

What will be his new role?

George will take a new position at the university as AD Emeritus and special adviser to the university chancellor. “I have told the Chancellor that I will ensure the transition to a new Athletic Director is as smooth as possible,” stated George in his announcement letter. Here, Colorado reporter Scott Procter shared that George approached the Chancellor with his decision in August.

Still, Procter praised George’s announcing timing. “We agreed that announcing it now is the best thing for CU because it gives the Chancellor plenty of time to find the best person to lead this department,” wrote the Buffs reporter.