Curtis Lofton announces departure as OU Athletics General Manager

Curtis Lofton has announced he will step down as the General Manager for the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department, effective Feb. 1, 2025. Lofton shared the news in a post on Facebook Thursday evening.

In the post he says,

"Everyone at some point in their lives has achieved something great.

And if you trace the journey, you’d realize it wasn’t “luck.” There was a series of decisions and actions along the way that led to that achievement.

But most people mistake achieving something great for GREATNESS. There’s a huge distinction.

Greatness has no destination.

It’s not about the result; it’s about the process – the journey.

Showing up every single day, with discipline and commitment – even when it’s hard, even when no one’s watching.

But that commitment can ONLY happen when you’re doing something you love.

In saying that, I have decided to step away from being the General Manager at OU, effective immediately, with my last day being February 1st. I am pursuing ministry and striving for true greatness by creating impact for the Kingdom.

I want to take this moment to thank Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, President Joe Harroz, and Head Coach Brent Venables for their unwavering support, leadership, and guidance. They’ve been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I am forever grateful for their influence in my life.

As D.L. Moody said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

I am stepping into this next chapter with the conviction that true greatness is found in eternal impact, and I am ready to embrace that calling."

Lofton’s departure comes just months after the OU Athletics Department announced a new structure for its football recruiting operations in July 2024, with Lofton taking on the role of the first-ever general manager.

RELATED COVERAGE:

1. OU Revamps Football Recruiting Strategy: Curtis Lofton Named GM, Former Eagles VP Joins As Consultant
2. OU Athletics Navigates Changes In College Sports By Hiring Former AT&T CEO

Lofton was hired by Coach Brent Venables to lead the SOUL Mission program, mentoring and advocating for players while overseeing life skills development. Lofton also served as the NFL liaison for the program.