ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys stiff arms Vonn Bell #24 of the New Orleans Saints on a carry in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
In a move that blends NFL pedigree with the Colorado Buffaloes’ fast-rising national profile in collegiate football rankings, a new coach will be joining the team for the upcoming 2026 season. Announced on Sunday March 1, 2026, former New Orleans Saints safety Vonn Bell is stepping into a new chapter of his football career by joining Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at the University of Colorado.
Here’s what to know about this latest advancement in both Vonn Bell’s football future, and the benefits the Buffaloes will have from his inclusion on their coaching staff.
Vonn Bell’s Versatility On The Field Will Be An Asset For Colorado
GettyVonn Bell #24 of the New Orleans Saints runs towards the end zone after picking up a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The runner’s knee was ruled down and the play was reversed upon further review.
Von Bell, who built a reputation on the field as a physical, instinctive defensive back during his time with the New Orleans Saints, now transitions from patrolling the secondary to mentoring the next generation of defensive backs in Boulder. His decision to link up with Colorado head coach Deion Sanders signals both a career pivot and an endorsement of the culture which Sanders has cultivated within the Buffaloes’ football program.
Veteran safety Vonn Bell — who played for the Saints, Panthers, and Bengals — is starting his coaching career and has been hired by Deion Sanders to be the safeties coach at Colorado. pic.twitter.com/cnFRn3JhDN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 1, 2026
The announcement of Bell’s hiring at the University of Colorado was revealed by NFL reporter Ari Meirov on X, who shared that Vonn Bell has specifically been hired as Colorado’s safeties coach.
How Vonn Bell’s NFL Legacy Will Translate to Coaching
Cleveland Browns
GettyDeion Sanders makes first post after Shedeur Sanders makes NFL debut with Browns
Known for his toughness in the box, leadership in the secondary, and ability to diagnose plays quickly, Vonn Bell became a steady presence in multiple NFL defensive systems during his playing career. While he was with the Saints, Bell developed into one of the team’s most reliable defensive backs, contributing in both pass coverage and run support. He possesses significant football intelligence and versatility which made him a valuable player in complex defensive schemes, and now he will be able to bring his knowledge of versatility and awareness on the field to the players at Colorado.
Under Deion Sanders, Colorado’s football team has quickly transformed into one of the most talked-about rising programs in the FBS and across all of college football. Sanders, known widely as “Coach Prime,” has emphasized a culture and level of cool alongside underscoring professional-level preparation both on and off of the football field. Adding Bell to the Buffaloes’ coaching staff continues to align perfectly with the philosophies Sanders has put forth. Vonn Bell understands what it takes to maximize preparation for professional-level plays, and even more so what it takes to be successful at a professional level. It makes perfect sense that Sanders would select Bell as the new safeties coach at Colorado.