Deion Sanders assembles the most NFL-experienced staff in college football history originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When Deion Sanders took over as head coach at Colorado, he didn’t just bring notoriety to a failing program. He brought together the most NFL-experienced coaching staff college football has ever witnessed.
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With over 160 combined years of professional football experience, Sanders’ staff doesn’t just talk about what it takes to succeed at the next level, they’ve lived it. From Hall of Famers to Super Bowl champions, the Buffaloes’ coaches are uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation.
Two of the most prominent additions have been are Hall of Famers Warren Sapp and Marshall Faulk. These legends of the game have developed as hands-on instructors, reinforcing fundamentals every day.
Sapp, who serves as Colorado’s defensive pass-rush specialist, demands discipline from his linemen, even during warm-ups. The players line up in perfect formation during stretches or they hear about it. As for Faulk, Colorado’s running backs coach, a similarly intense is noticeable when it comes to footwork. His mantra is master the basics before getting creative.
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“It’s the little things that will make us great,” Sapp said. “Tedious repetition, over and over again. That’s what we do.”
It’s all part of a bigger message at Colorado. One Deion Sanders says often and is even a chapter in his latest book. “Keep the main thing, the main thing.”
Those details are a direct extension of Sanders’ coaching philosophy. Its one that emphasizes structure and accountability. When Coach Prime had to temporarily step away to deal with his battle with bladder cancer, it was the NFL-seasoned staff that kept the standard high.
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Joining Sapp and Faulk are coaches with a wide range of NFL backgrounds. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur brings head coaching experience, while defensive coordinator Robert Livingston spent nearly a decade with the Cincinnati Bengals. The rest of the staff includes receivers coach Jason Phillips, defensive backs coach Kevin Mathis, defensive line coach Domata Peko, and offensive line coaches George Hegamin and Andre Gurode — all former NFL players.
Together, this group represents 27 Pro Bowl appearances, five Super Bowl rings, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, one NFL MVP (Faulk), and three Hall of Famers. It’s an unmatched collection of professional football knowledge.
“When you have a whole bunch of guys that’s been there and done that, it’s definitely a blessing for us,” said Peko, who played 15 years in the league. “Everyone checks their ego at the door. We collaborate.”
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But Sanders isn’t done yet.
At Big 12 Media Day, he said he hopes to add former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and ex-NFL quarterback Byron Leftwich. If both join, the staff’s experience would be at 204 years.
The impact of this staff is already being felt by players. Sophomore running back Micah Welch was stunned when he learned Faulk was coming to coach. “It was amazing,” he said. Faulk’s teaching the game not just with film study, but in technique and preparation. However, his mission goes beyond football.
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“We’re here not just to win games,” he said. “We’re here to make sure these young men become what they want to become in life.”
Related: Colorado’s first Black football captain dead at 76
Under Sanders and his NFL-heavy staff, Colorado is aiming to develop more than just football players. It’s about real life instruction to be a professional.
Related: Warren Sapp Seeking Multimillion-Dollar Settlement from Florida Sheriff’s Office
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
