Deion Sanders' Coaching Hire Embracing New Role With the Buffaloes

Former graduate assistant Dante' Carter takes over Colorado's defensive line after Domata Peko's departure.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:55pm

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After Colorado Buffaloes defensive line coach Domata Peko left for a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes coaching staff looked internally to find the next man up for the role. Former graduate assistant Dante' Carter has taken to his new role well, and his players have bought into his intense coaching style so far in spring practice.

Why it matters

Colorado's pass rush struggled mightily in 2025, and the Buffaloes will have an almost entirely new group of defensive linemen this season. Carter's ability to quickly get his players up to speed and implement an effective pass-rushing scheme will be crucial to the team's defensive improvement in 2026.

The details

Carter was a part of Colorado's coaching staff last season, serving as a graduate assistant and analyst. With Peko's unexpected departure later in the coaching carousel cycle, Carter has had to make the transition to defensive line coach quickly. He plans to use the spring as an acclimation and evaluation period before focusing on installing his techniques during preseason training camp. Carter's players have recognized the intensity he's brought to spring practice, and they're bought into his coaching style.

  • Carter was a part of Colorado's coaching staff last season.
  • Domata Peko left for a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason.
  • Carter has taken over as Colorado's defensive line coach for the 2026 season.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Dante' Carter

The new defensive line coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, previously a graduate assistant on the coaching staff.

Domata Peko

The former defensive line coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, who left to take a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quency Wiggins

A defensive end for the Colorado Buffaloes who appeared in six games last season, and is the only returning pass rusher on the team.

Dylan Manuel

A transfer defensive tackle for the Colorado Buffaloes, who has praised Carter's intense coaching style.

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What they’re saying

“It's been very good, I'm very appreciative, very honored for the opportunity. I just want to thank the man above, and thank Coach Prime for believing in me.”

— Dante' Carter, Colorado Buffaloes Defensive Line Coach

“[Carter] is a great coach. He's going to be hard on you; he pushes you 100 percent every day, he wants the best out of you and he's going to get it out of you.”

— Dylan Manuel, Colorado Buffaloes Transfer Defensive Tackle

“If you separate and draw that line between the players and you, you'll be fine. I know every guy in that room respects me as their coach, and once we separate, and we're not in football settings, then we can joke around and do all that. But once it's time to work and we're grinding, I'm coach.”

— Dante' Carter, Colorado Buffaloes Defensive Line Coach

What’s next

Carter will continue to evaluate his players and install his techniques during the remainder of spring practice, with the goal of having his defensive line ready to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are counting on Dante' Carter to quickly get his new-look defensive line up to speed and improve the team's pass rush after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Carter's intense coaching style and focus on fundamentals have already impressed his players, but he'll need to translate that to on-field results in the fall.