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EspañolThe Colorado Buffaloes football staff overhaul continues, as it was announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Robert Livingston is departing Boulder and heading just down the road to Denver, back to the NFL. The Broncos hired Livingston as their defensive pass game coordinator, making him yet another coordinator or coach to leave Deion Sanders' staff.
This tweet encapsulates the turnover perfectly, as Colorado has now lost 77 years of NFL experience since March 19, 2025. The Buffaloes will not only have new offensive and defensive coordinators but also a new quarterback coach, tight ends coach, defensive line coach and cornerbacks coach in 2026. That is a lot of new faces in key positions. Not all of the moves are bad, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Colorado has lost 77 years of NFL experience since March 19th of last year.
— 2025 Big XII Burner Tournament Champion (@SKOBUFFS22) February 25, 2026
As fans have been calling for, there's been a major shift for more college coaches with Brennan Marion and Chris Marve.
Other new position coaches include:
QB: AJ Smith
TE: Josh Niblett
DL: Dante… https://t.co/HB85KVFMfI
Moving on from offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is understandable. He never seemed to fully mesh with the college game during his tenure in Colorado, even with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter at his disposal. Then last year, with Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub and Julian Lewis, it turned into a disaster. Brennan Marion should be an upgrade and bring more creativity with his Go-Go offense.
Under Livingston, the Colorado defense in 2024 improved from 121st in scoring defense to 43rd, from 124th in passing yards allowed per game to 40th, and from 64th in sacks to 15th, which also led the Big 12. The Buffs were especially impressive in the second half of the season, allowing just 11.5 points per game, a top 10 mark nationally and best in the conference. The 2025 defense was also solid against the pass, ranking 41st nationally in passing yards allowed at 203.2 per game and 56th in red zone defense.
Colorado did not waste time finding a replacement, promoting linebackers coach Chris Marve to defensive coordinator. Marve joined the Buffs staff this offseason after a two-year run as Virginia Tech's defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. He has experience calling a defense and ideally slides in smoothly.
It is noteworthy that Colorado has two new coordinators who must prepare an almost entirely new team to begin the season with three of its first four games on the road against Power Four opponents. It is a less-than-ideal situation for any team.
The Buffs open at Georgia Tech in Week 1, travel to Northwestern in Week 3, and then head to Waco to face Baylor. That is no easy stretch for new coordinators finding their footing. Will it work out? The jury is still out, but it will not be easy.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football staff turnover puts pressure on 2026 start