FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) -Former Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick has turned down an offer to work as a fundraiser for the school.

Lubick, who was fired in December after 15 mostly successful seasons with the Rams, informed Colorado State athletic director Paul Kowalczyk of his decision in a letter, the Fort Collins Coloradoan and Denver Post reported Thursday.

``Sonny is a Ram and will always be a member of the Ram family,'' Kowalczyk said. ``His work here speaks for itself. We honor and respect his decision.''

Lubick, who was not available for comment, indicated earlier he didn't want to be in a position to cast a shadow on his replacement, Steve Fairchild.

Lubick will still be paid the $256,000 annual salary he is due for two years.

Kowalczyk said Lubick's letter was very businesslike.

``I'm sure it was a decision he felt he needed to make, and we respect that,'' he said. ``He'll always be a part of our program.''

Lubick was let go after the Rams went 3-9 last season, his fourth consecutive non-winning season after 10 seasons of unprecedented success for Colorado State.