BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- The University of Colorado hired Texas Rangers executive Rick George as the school's athletic director on Wednesday.
He has been the president of business operations for the major league team. George once served as Colorado's assistant athletic director for football operations from 1987-91.
The contract is for five years, pending approval by the board of regents, and he will begin Aug. 12.
George takes over for Mike Bohn, who submitted his resignation in May after eight years in charge of the athletic program. Bohn stepped down after CU made it clear the school wanted to head in another direction and that a switch might trigger better opportunities to raise money.
"Rick's financial and management acumen, his networking and relationship development skills, and his enthusiasm, work ethic and principled leadership all make him the ideal leader for CU athletics at this important and challenging moment in our history," Chancellor Philip DiStefano said.
In addition to working for the Rangers, George also was executive vice president and chief of operations for the PGA Tour. He's held positions on the collegiate level, outside of Colorado, too. He was at Illinois (recruiting coordinator) and Vanderbilt (associate athletic director for external operations).
""CU is a special place for my family and me, and this is a marvelous opportunity at a great university in the best collegiate athletic conference in the country," George said.
Interim athletic director Ceal Barry, who was head of the search committee, said George's diverse resume made him stand out.
"Rick is the complete package," Barry said. "He brings the kind of broad-based experience in athletics financial and operational management that CU needs at present, but also the vision we need to attract new donors, fans and partners.
"I'm looking forward to working with him again, and I am as excited as I've been in a long time about the future of intercollegiate athletics at CU-Boulder."
