[Colorado Buffaloes](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/colorado) defensive coordinator Robert Livingston is headed back to the NFL. After two seasons on Deion Sanders' staff in Boulder, the longtime coach will become the defensive passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos.
The 40-year-old who had spent a decade on staff with the Cincinnati Bengals made a big impact at Colorado in 2024. Livingston had the Buffs in the top 25 for total defense with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at cornerback two seasons ago. However, last year was tough with CU near the bottom of Power Four programs for yards and points allowed.
One of the biggest obstacles for Livingston has been maintaining a roster with steady turnover year after year. It's a common theme for Sanders and his style of wanting to get players out of the transfer portal. But overall, Livingston did an outstanding job as a first-time coordinator.
Sanders will reportedly promote Chris Marve, who joined the Colorado staff last year. The former Virginia Tech defensive coordinator will get his first opportunity to take the position in the Big 12. He had previous stints at Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Florida State over the past decade.
**More**: [Steve Sarkisian blasts Ohio State players for not going to class](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/texas/news/steve-sarkisian-blasts-ohio-state-players-not-going-class/d74cc255838077f7756a9ee2)
This will be another year of coaching turnover for Sanders, who hasn't kept the same set of coordinators during his tenure at Colorado. After firing Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion was brought in to take on his first Power Four coordinator role. As it stands now, this will be the most inexperienced coaching staff for Sanders since landing in Boulder in 2023.
Colorado opens the 2026 college football season in Atlanta against Georgia Tech.
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