Colorado football could consider a familiar connection for athletic director Fernando Lovo if the Buffaloes move on from head coach Deion Sanders.
A change remains uncertain, with the financial cost of a dismissal complicating the situation for Colorado.
The discussion follows coaching firings at NC State and Baylor. Three FBS jobs now stand open entering Halloween weekend.
Sanders remains Colorado’s coach, and the reporting does not establish that the school has launched a search for his replacement.
CBS Sports’ John Talty, Matt Zenitz, and Chris Hummer examined the matter on Wednesday in their coaching carousel report.
“Industry sources believe first-year athletic director Fernando Lovo could be interested in making a change — New Mexico's Jason Eck, who was with Lovo at New Mexico, would be a potential target — but the feeling around the industry is that the school isn't positioned to pay a more than $25 million buyout to fire Deion Sanders.”
Eck’s connection to Lovo predates the athletic director’s arrival at Colorado. Lovo oversaw New Mexico when the Lobos hired Eck from Idaho to replace Bronco Mendenhall.
Colorado’s Board of Regents approved Lovo’s appointment, and he began leading the athletic department on January 1.
That working relationship provides the link behind Eck’s inclusion as a potential candidate. The report does not say the Buffaloes have contacted him or decided to dismiss Sanders.
Article Continues BelowThe Buffaloes’ recent results explain why the position has entered the coaching discussion. CBS Sports noted that Sanders is 3-12 over his last 15 games, with two victories against Power Four opponents across the past two seasons.
The outlet also raised a negotiated settlement as a possible way for Colorado and Sanders to separate. However, it reported uncertainty about whether Sanders would consider that arrangement.
For now, the reported interest remains conditional, with Sanders still in place and the buyout presenting an obstacle to any change.