Deion Sanders Overhauls Colorado Coaching Staff with Sapp Departure and Marve Promotion

BOULDER, CO – Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is finalizing a significant makeover of his coaching staff as spring practice approaches. The most recent developments include the resignation of Hall of Fame defensive lineman Warren Sapp and the promotion of Chris Marve to defensive coordinator, signaling a new era for the Buffaloes’ defense.

Warren Sapp Resigns, Citing Pursuit of Other Opportunities

Warren Sapp, who served as the defensive pass-rush coordinator for the Buffaloes last season, announced his resignation to “pursue other opportunities,” according to a statement released by the university ESPN. Colorado Athletics thanked Sapp for his contributions over the past two seasons and his commitment to the student-athletes.

Sapp joined Sanders’ staff in 2023, transitioning from a graduate assistant role to defensive pass-rush coordinator in 2025. During his tenure, Colorado’s sack production experienced fluctuations, ranking 63rd nationally in 2023, improving to 16th in 2024, and then declining to 129th in 2025 Yahoo Sports.

Chris Marve Elevated to Defensive Coordinator

Following the departure of Robert Livingston, who accepted a position with the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator and secondary coach, Sanders has promoted Chris Marve to defensive coordinator. Livingston spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, including the year Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy ESPN.

Marve previously served as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2024 before joining Colorado as the linebackers coach in December. Sanders expressed confidence in Marve’s abilities, stating he was hired with the potential for advancement and praised him as a “teacher, a motivator and a man of great character” ESPN.

Expanding Coaching Staff and Historic Representation

Sanders has been actively reshaping his coaching staff this offseason. In December, he brought in offensive guru Brennan Marion to implement a high-octane “Go-Go” offense ESPN.

With these changes, the Buffaloes now boast a Black head coach and Black offensive and defensive coordinators for the first time in program history ESPN. Sanders expressed his excitement about working with the new coordinators, believing they will uplift the program both on and off the field.

Additional staff additions include Vonn Bell, a longtime NFL player who will serve as an analyst and assist with the safeties. Dante Carter will coach the defensive line, taking over for Domata Peko, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Fletcher will oversee the cornerbacks, and Justin Houlihan will contribute as an analyst supporting the quarterbacks. Johnnie Mack will lead the running backs, succeeding Marshall Faulk, who is now the head coach at Southern University. Clancy Pendergast joins as a senior analyst, likewise assisting with the linebackers ESPN.

The Buffaloes finished last season with a 3-9 record and will initiate spring practice on Monday with the newly configured coaching staff.