Lucas wanted other people to direct the films, in his defense, nobody took him up on it. He had some inkling that maybe he shouldn't be directing the films, but

Lucas wanted other people to direct the films, in his defense, nobody took him up on it. He had some inkling that maybe he shouldn't be directing the films, but he couldn't find a way to convince someone to take them on... I suspect it was a combination of being intimidated by what was being proposed (prequels to some of the most beloved films of all time) and Lucas retaining creative control to a level other people felt like they couldn't really do it? Not sure. I'm sure when Lucas passes away we will learn a LOT more about the entire thing.