Former Bengals Standout Vonn Bell Lands First College Coaching Job

Bell will serve as safeties coach at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:23am

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Former Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell has been named the safeties coach at the University of Colorado, marking his first college coaching job. Bell spent the 2025 season as a defensive analyst for the Buffaloes and is now transitioning into a full-time coaching role under new head coach Deion Sanders.

Why it matters

Bell was a key part of the Bengals' defense during their recent Super Bowl run, making several impactful plays. His move into coaching at the college level represents the next step in his football career after a successful playing stint in the NFL.

The details

Bell spent three seasons with the Bengals from 2020-2022, helping the team reach Super Bowl LVI and back-to-back AFC championship games. He was known for his hard-hitting style of play, including a memorable hit on Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2020. Bell also had a crucial interception of Patrick Mahomes in the 2022 AFC championship game that led to the game-winning field goal. After a brief stint with the Panthers, Bell returned to the Bengals in 2024 but was not able to replicate his earlier success.

  • Bell served as a defensive analyst for Colorado in 2025.
  • Bell was announced as Colorado's new safeties coach in February 2026.

The players

Vonn Bell

A former safety who spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, helping the team reach the Super Bowl and back-to-back AFC championship games.

Deion Sanders

The new head coach of the University of Colorado football team, who has hired Bell as his safeties coach.

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What they’re saying

“IM THANKFUL. IM BLESSED. IM GRATEFUL. LETS WORK!”

— Vonn Bell

What’s next

Bell will begin his new role as safeties coach at Colorado immediately, working to help build the program under Deion Sanders' leadership.

The takeaway

Vonn Bell's transition from standout NFL player to college position coach represents the next chapter in his football career. His experience and leadership should prove valuable in developing Colorado's defensive backs as the program looks to rebound under the guidance of new head coach Deion Sanders.