Deion Sanders Announces Final Decision on Special Teams Coordinator Vacancy Ahead of 2026 CFB Season

Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders told reporters at his first press conference of the spring on Friday that the Buffaloes will not have a special teams coordinator for the 2026 season (h/t Harrison Simeon of Sko Buffs Sports).

Sanders has completely overhauled his staff after Colorado went 3-9 (1-8 in Big 12) during the 2025 season. He demoted offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur during the 2025 season and parted ways with him after the year.

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston left to become the Denver Broncos' defensive passing game coordinator. Sanders also parted with special teams coordinator Michael Pollock, who held that role in 2025.

Colorado did not have a special teams coordinator in 2023, Sanders' first year leading the Buffaloes. They did have a quality control analyst focused on special teams (Trevor Reilly). CU did not have a coach whose stated role involved special teams in 2024.

Former Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion is now the OC. Chris Marve, who Sanders hired as a linebackers coach this offseason, got promoted to DC. He was Virginia Tech's DC and linebackers coach from 2022-2024.

Special teams won't have an official leader, though. That might be a problem after a rough year for the unit. John Brice of Football Scoop provided details last January.

"Colorado finished the 2025 season 109th in net punting (37.19 yards per punt); it ranked near the nation's worst teams with four blocked kicks allowed," Brice wrote.

A total of 14 coaches have either joined Colorado's staff from the outside this offseason or been shifted into new roles. One of them is former NFL safety Vonn Bell, who will work as an analyst assisting with Colorado safeties.