Colorado football's two most desirable members of Deion Sanders' staff, GA Warren Sapp and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, are drawing interest from other Power 4 programs and NFL franchises.
On SI's Jason Jones addressed the possibility that both could be goners this offseason.
"...not all coaching departures are created equal. While Loadholt and Dancy’s exits are notable, the potential loss of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston looms larger. Sanders has openly acknowledged Livingston’s value and expects that his success will draw interest from other programs. If Livingston departs, Sanders' response will likely mirror his usual refrain—embracing the cycle of growth and promotion," Jones wrote.
"Yet, the most intriguing coaching figure in Boulder might not even hold an official title beyond Graduate Assistant: Warren Sapp. The Hall of Fame defensive tackle has quickly become a vital presence on the coaching staff, embodying both the energy and experience that resonate deeply with players. His influence on Colorado’s defensive front cannot be overstated, with Sapp helping to instill a mentality of aggression and dominance that paid dividends in the Buffs’ improved defensive performances."
Losing both could be disastrous for the Buffs defense, which was a weakness for the Buffs in 2023 under Charles Kelly. Sapp helped the team's defensive front get mean and physical, and it led to breakout seasons for Nikhai Hill-Green and BJ Green. The former transferred to Alabama while the latter will likely declare for the NFL draft but is out of eligibility either way. Livingston, meanwhile, helped Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig become the team's workhorse tackler but also helped elevate DJ McKinney become an elite ball-hawk.
Losing either coach would validate the idea that Sanders could bolt Boulder for a bigger job in the pros or the Power 4. Keeping both would be a major win for a Buffs culture that badly needed their presence.