Hall of Famer Warren Sapp Departs Colorado Football Coaching Staff

Sapp leaves Deion Sanders' program after two seasons as pass rush coordinator

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:27pm

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp has parted ways with the Colorado football program, where he had served as the defensive pass rush coordinator on head coach Deion Sanders' staff since 2023. The university has confirmed Sapp's departure after two seasons with the team.

Why it matters

Sapp's exit creates a void on Sanders' coaching staff, as the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year brought valuable experience and expertise to the Buffaloes' defense. His departure comes as Colorado looks to build on recent seasons and compete in the Big 12 conference.

The details

Sapp, 53, joined the Colorado coaching staff in 2024 as a graduate assistant and was promoted to pass rush coordinator. During his tenure, the Buffaloes' defense saw mixed results, finishing sixth in the conference in points allowed per game in 2024 before regressing in 2025. It remains unclear where Sapp will go next or if he will continue his coaching career.

  • Sapp joined the Colorado coaching staff in 2024.
  • Sapp served as the Buffaloes' pass rush coordinator for the past two seasons, from 2024 to 2025.

The players

Warren Sapp

A Pro Football Hall of Famer who previously served as the defensive pass rush coordinator for the Colorado football team under head coach Deion Sanders.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado football team, who brought Sapp onto his coaching staff in 2023.

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What’s next

Colorado will now need to find a replacement for Sapp on Deion Sanders' coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Sapp's departure is a significant loss for the Colorado football program, as he brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the team's defense. The Buffaloes will need to quickly identify a new pass rush coordinator who can help the team continue its progress under Deion Sanders' leadership.