Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have absorbed another coaching departure just days before they are set to kick off their spring practice. And this news is an added punch to the gut.
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Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp stepped down as defensive pass-rush coordinator after two seasons at Colorado, the university’s athletic department confirmed Thursday.
“Warren Sapp has resigned from the CU football coaching staff to pursue other opportunities. CU Athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the last two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes,” the department said in a statement.
Sapp became the latest member of the Buffaloes’ defensive coaching staff to leave the team after the Buffaloes finished with a dismal 3-9 record last season. Before his resignation, Domata Peko stepped down as defensive line coach to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Robert Livingston, the team’s defensive coordinator, also left after being hired by the Denver Broncos. Linebackers coach Chris Marve replaced Livingston.
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The 53-year-old Sapp began his tenure with Colorado as a graduate assistant, earning $150,000. His presence and NFL skills helped the Buffaloes’ defense record a Big 12 Conference-leading 39 quarterback sacks in 2024. That stat helped him secure a promotion in 2025 to defensive pass rush coordinator.
Sapp, however, could not sustain his 2024 success, as the Buffaloes’ defense recorded only 13 QB sacks this past season. That total left them tied for 14th in the conference and 129th nationally.
Before the Hall of Famer was hired at Colorado in 2024, domestic violence advocates in the state expressed concerns about Sapp’s prior misdemeanor record.
To address the situation, the school issued a statement in which the former defensive tackle acknowledged and agreed to the team’s moral and ethical standards and expectations for future members of the coaching staff.
Sapp was the second Pro Football Hall of Famer to leave Colorado before the spring preparations began. Former St. Louis Rams great Marshall Faulk stepped down as running backs coach and was hired as Southern University’s head coach.
Colorado kicks off its fourth spring practice season under Sanders on March 2. The Buffaloes are scheduled to hold 15 practices through April 11.
After Colorado’s poor season, the team’s defensive line was retooled, signing notable incoming defensive transfers Liona Lefau (Texas), Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green), Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State), Ezra Christensen (New Mexico State), Toby Anene (North Dakota State), Santana Hopper (Tulane), Randon Fontenette (Vanderbilt), Jah Jah Boyd (Indiana), Justin Eaglin (James Madison), and Cree Thomas (Notre Dame).
The Buffaloes hope to bounce back next season, but they must plug the big hole left by Warren Sapp’s resignation.
