Colorado coach Deion Sanders is putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff's revamp with spring practice beginning Monday. He will also be without one of his good friends.
Hall of Fame defensive lineman Warren Sapp announced his resignation to “pursue other opportunities,” the school said in a statement. “CU Athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes.”
Sapp was the Buffaloes' pass-rushing defensive coordinator last season.
Sanders promoted Chris Marve to defensive coordinator after the departure of Robert Livingston, who recently accepted a job with the Denver Broncos as passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Livingston spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, including the year Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout.
Marve was defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2024. He accepted a job with Colorado in December as linebackers coach.
“Chris Marve was hired with the knowledge that he could one day advance given his history and experience if the opportunity presented itself,” Sanders said in a statement Saturday. “He is a teacher, a motivator and a man of great character.”
It's been a busy coaching offseason for Sanders. In December, he hired offensive guru Brennan Marion to instill a high-octane scheme that Marion dubbed the “Go-Go” offense.
The Buffaloes now have a Black head coach and Black offensive and defensive coordinators for the first time in program history, the school announced.
“I'm excited to be on the field Monday with these two extraordinary coordinators who will enhance our program on and off the field,” said Sanders, whose team finished 3-9 last season.
Other additions to the staff include Vonn Bell, a veteran NFL player who will be an analyst and help with the safeties.
Dante Carter takes over as defensive line coach from Domata Peko, who left to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Fletcher will oversee the cornerbacks and Justin Houlihan will serve as an analyst in addition to helping with the quarterbacks.
Johnnie Mack will take over running backs for Marshall Faulk, who was hired as head coach at Southern University. Clancy Pendergast joined as senior analyst. He will also help with the linebackers.
