Coach Prime is at it again, Buffs Nation.
The man simply does not miss when it comes to assembling a coaching staff packed with NFL experience. The latest addition? None other than former NFL standout Domata Peko, who steps in as Colorado’s new defensive line coach.
If you’re a Buffs fan who also happens to be a Denver Broncos loyalist, this hire should feel extra sweet. Peko spent two of his 15 NFL seasons in Denver (2017-18), bringing his signature high-energy play and trademark flowing mane to Boulder.
Peko wasn’t just some journeyman defensive tackle. The man started 194 of his 214 career games, an absurdly high rate of reliability in the trenches. Over his career, he racked up 616 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, and 50 quarterback hits.
I can confirm through a source that Colorado has hired former NFL standout Domata Peko as its defensive line coach. Peko's career included the 2017-18 seasons with the Denver Broncos. He coached with the Dallas Cowboys this past season. #cubuffs https://t.co/PODQRMhReg
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) February 19, 2025
Coach Prime has made it clear he wants coaches with professional playing experience, and Peko’s resume is as legit as they come. A fourth-round pick in 2006, he spent 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before making stops in Denver, Baltimore, and Arizona. His time in Cincy also gives him deep ties to CU defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, who was on the Bengals' staff while Peko was anchoring their D-line.
Oh, and did we mention Peko will be working alongside Hall of Famer Warren Sapp?
That’s right. The Buffs now have nearly three decades of combined NFL playing experience in their defensive line room. Let that sink in. Peko and Sapp started a combined 382 games in the league.
Last season, Colorado’s defensive line had moments of promise but lacked consistency, particularly against the run. Peko is exactly the type of coach who can change that. His playing style was built on discipline, fundamentals, and high-energy play—all things CU needs more of in the trenches.
Plus, his connection to Mike Zimmer (Sanders’ longtime mentor) and his recent coaching stint with the Dallas Cowboys make him an even more valuable asset. This isn’t just a former player looking to get into coaching; this is a guy who has already been in the coaching world and understands what it takes at both the college and professional levels.
Domata Peko isn’t just a solid hire—he’s a home run. The Buffs’ defensive line just got a whole lot stronger, and with Peko and Sapp leading the way, the trenches in Boulder are about to become a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Deion Sanders continues to prove that if you’re not bringing NFL experience to his staff, you better bring something special—because the Buffs are building something serious.
Get ready, Buffs Nation. The Peko era has begun.