Former Colorado State University head football coach Sonny Lubick, sacked two years ago after 15 years at the helm, is working again for CSU.
Lubick, 72, on Wednesday was named director of community- leadership outreach for CSU’s College of Business.
Much of his new job will entail recruiting students to the business program and getting donations flowing.
Lubick’s firing in 2007 by then-CSU president Larry Penley and athletic director Paul Kowal czyk caused controversy and led to bitter feelings between Lubick and the university.
“There is a little pang, now and then, but that’s all water under the bridge,” Lubick said. “I’m just happy I’ll be able to help this great college and university.”
When Lubick was let go, he was offered a similar ambassador position with the athletic department, but he turned it down.
Lubick on Wednesday said he accepted the part-time business-college post because he felt he “could work harmoniously” with CSU interim president Tony Frank and business dean Ajay Menon.
The deal had been in the works for six or seven months, Lubick said.
Frank said Lubick’s standing in the community will help boost the College of Business’ stature.
“Sonny is the right person to help enhance the program’s visibility and involvement with the greater public,” Frank said.
Since his dismissal, Lubick has worked as a spokesman for a variety of enterprises, including Public Service Credit Union. Also, he’s part-owner of Sonny Lubick Steakhouse in Fort Collins.
Lubick, who begins his CSU job April 1, will be paid through a gift from the Fort Collins-based Bohemian Foundation, which is headed by one of Lubick’s biggest fans, billionaire heiress Pat Stryker.
“I don’t think this would have happened without the Bohemian Foundation,” Lubick said. “I just want to thank them for the trust and confidence they have in me.”
“The Bohemian Foundation was interested in supporting a program or opportunity at CSU that would make full use of Sonny’s talents and the remarkable base of support he’s established throughout his life and career,” said foundation board member Joe Zimlich. “Menon was actively looking for a leader whose skill set matched Sonny’s, so we are pleased to help fund this important new position.”
Staff writer Natalie Meisler contributed to this report.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
