The Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff continues to undergo significant changes, with Warren Sapp — the NFL Hall of Famer and pass rush coordinator — becoming the latest departure from Deion Sanders’ program ahead of the 2026 college football season.
According to Colorado sports insider Brandon Krisztal and Guerilla Sports, Sapp will not return for a fourth year in Boulder. The move comes just days after defensive coordinator Robert Livingston left to join the Denver Broncos as defensive pass game coordinator.
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Deion Sanders Loses Another Key Assistant Coach: Warren Sapp Departs Colorado Buffaloes for 2026 Season
Krisztal posted:
“Our @bkdenversports has learned Warren Sapp is not returning for a 4th season at Colorado. The Hall of Famer has coached the defensive pass rush coordinator since 2023 when came to Boulder as a member of Deion Sanders’ staff.”
Sapp joined Sanders’ staff in 2023 and helped develop Colorado’s defensive line, bringing his legendary NFL pass-rushing pedigree (Hall of Fame career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders) to the college level. While he did not occupy a play-calling role, his presence added credibility and intensity to the Buffs’ defense.
Trouble in Boulder: Colorado’s Coaching Turnover
The back-to-back losses create challenges for Sanders as he prepares for Year 3:
Defensive coordinator vacancy — Livingston’s exit leaves Colorado needing a new defensive play-caller less than a month after most programs have finalized their 2026 staffs.
Limited internal options — Few current assistants have significant play-calling experience at the college level.
External hire risks — Bringing in a new coordinator could trigger additional staff changes, creating a domino effect during a critical offseason.
Sapp’s departure, while not considered a core play-calling loss, is still concerning for a program already facing scrutiny over staff stability and recruiting momentum after a transitional 2025 season.
Colorado senior quality control analyst Warren Sapp yells during in a Big 12 football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Jones AT&T Stadium. © Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Colorado senior quality control analyst Warren Sapp yells during in a Big 12 football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Jones AT&T Stadium. © Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Buffaloes have not issued an official statement on Sapp’s exit or a replacement as of February 26, 2026. Deion Sanders and his staff now face pressure to quickly fill multiple key roles while maintaining the high-energy culture that has defined the program.
Colorado football fans: Worried about the coaching turnover, or do you trust Coach Prime to rebuild the staff fast? Who would you like to see as the next defensive coordinator? Share your thoughts below!
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