Deion Sanders is already overhauling the Colorado Buffaloes’ coaching staff after a disappointing 3-9 record. He has effectively reset the program this offseason, moving on from veteran NFL names to bring in younger, more innovative minds.
But he might have to make a forced change now, as the Denver Broncos have moved to poach his assistant back to the NFL.
Deion Sanders Loses Colorado Assistant to Broncos
After just two seasons in Boulder, the Buffaloes’ defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston, is returning to the NFL to join Sean Payton’s staff as the defensive passing game coordinator for the Broncos. On3’s Pete Nakos reported the latest development on Wednesday.
Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston is set to become the Denver Broncos’ new defensive pass game coordinator, sources tell @On3.
Arrived in Boulder in 2024 after over a decade with the Bengals. https://t.co/BfpgXExHFm pic.twitter.com/ZjbewisAED
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) February 25, 2026
Livingston’s departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter for the Buffaloes. Arriving in 2024 after a 12-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, Livingston was the mastermind behind one of the most significant defensive turnarounds in college football. Under him, the Buffaloes’ scoring defense leaped from 121st in 2023 to 43rd in 2024, fueled by a relentless pass rush that ranked 15th nationally in sacks.
Livingston’s flexible, aggressive, and talent-centric approach was the perfect match for Coach Prime’s high-profile roster. It most notably unlocked the full defensive potential of Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
The timing of Livingston’s exit might pose a challenge for the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes are currently navigating a massive roster overhaul after losing their entire interior defensive line to the transfer portal this winter. Livingston was the anchor of Sanders’ new recruiting strategy, personally vetting transfers to fit his multiple 4-3 scheme.
Without Livingston, the Buffaloes lose their primary bridge to the NFL for defensive recruits and a coach who had earned the locker room’s trust. His departure risks destabilizing a defensive unit that was already reeling from staff turnover and a 3-9 finish in 2025. PFSN’s College Defense Impact ranked the Buffaloes 77th in the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, the offensive coaching staff has already gone through a shakeup. The most significant hire is new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who is the architect of the high-flying ‘Go-Go’ offense.
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He arrives from Sacramento State to replace Pat Shurmur. To support this new explosive scheme, Sanders promoted Johnnie Mack to running backs coach and brought in AJ Smith, who was the offensive coordinator for the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, to serve as the quarterbacks coach.
Sanders must now find his third defensive coordinator in as many years, and the pressure is on to maintain an NFL pedigree. Internal candidate Chris Marve could be a name to watch, though external hires have been the pattern fans have seen with him. Longtime Sanders ally and former NFL head coach Mike Zimmer could be an interesting name to watch, too.
