Athletic director Mike Bohn made the move one day after publicly announcing Gary Barnett had stepped down as CU head coach.
“Mike possesses great experience in this profession, and his organizational skills, discipline and competitive sprit will be a great asset in preparing the team for the bowl,” Bohn said in a press release. “We are most appreciative of his willingness to take on this leadership role.”
Hankwitz first came to Colorado as an issistant coach under Bill McCartney in 1985. He was on that staff through the 1995 Fiesta Bowl.
Barnett hired Hankwitz to run CU’s defense prior to the 2004 season. The Buffs’ defense has had marked improvement the past two seasons under Hankwitz, though CU gave up 100 points the past two games.
This year, the Buffs did not allow a 100-yard rusher, and allowed just 95.3 yards per game overall.
Hankwitz was named interim head coach at Arizona for eight games after John Mackovic was fired.
The team is expected to begin bowl practices next week.