Deion Sanders Shakes Up Colorado Coaching Staff

Hall of Famer Warren Sapp resigns, Chris Marve hired as new defensive coordinator

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:15am

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is making significant changes to his coaching staff ahead of the upcoming spring practice. Hall of Famer Warren Sapp has resigned from his role as defensive pass rush coordinator, and Sanders has promoted Chris Marve to the position of defensive coordinator. Marve previously served as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Virginia Tech.

Why it matters

These coaching changes are part of Deion Sanders' efforts to rebuild the Colorado football program after a 3-9 season in 2022. The hiring of Marve as defensive coordinator and the departure of Sapp represent a reset for the Buffaloes as they look to improve on both sides of the ball.

The details

In addition to Marve's promotion, Sanders has also hired offensive guru Brennan Marion to install a high-octane 'Go-Go' offense. The Buffaloes now feature a Black head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators for the first time in program history. Other new additions to the staff include Vonn Bell as an analyst and Dante Carter as the defensive line coach.

  • Colorado's spring practice begins on Monday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Warren Sapp

A Hall of Fame defensive lineman who served as the defensive pass rush coordinator for the Buffaloes last season.

Chris Marve

The new defensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, previously serving in the same role at Virginia Tech.

Robert Livingston

The former defensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, who recently took a job with the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator and secondary coach.

Travis Hunter

The Heisman Trophy winner in 2022 as a two-way standout for the Colorado Buffaloes.

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What they’re saying

“Chris Marve was hired with the knowledge that he could one day advance considering his history and experience if the opportunity was presented. He's a teacher, a motivator and a man of great character.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“I'm excited to get on the field Monday with these two extraordinary coordinators that will uplift our program on and off the field.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

What’s next

The Colorado Buffaloes will begin spring practice on Monday, February 28, 2026 with their new-look coaching staff in place.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders is wasting no time in putting his stamp on the Colorado football program, making significant changes to the coaching staff as he looks to turn the Buffaloes around after a disappointing 3-9 season. The hiring of Chris Marve as defensive coordinator and the departure of Warren Sapp represent a fresh start for the program.