Broncos make intriguing addition to team with new coaching hire

Sean Payton is clearly looking to bolster his defensive coaching staff ahead of the 2026 NFL season. 

Not long after news trickled out that he had met with long-time friend and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, the Broncos added to their coaching ranks on Wednesday by bringing in Robert Livingston to serve as a defensive passing game coordinator. 

Livingston spent the past two seasons as part of Deion Sanders' staff at Colorado University as the team's defensive coordinator. Though Sanders and the Buffaloes have seen their fair share of ups and downs, Livingston was a true bright spot for the team. 

Broncos bring in Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston

Livingston, who just turned 40 years old, has a wealth of coaching experience, which includes time in the NFL. 

He played safety at the College of William and Mary from 2007 to 2009 and went straight into coaching as a safeties coach at Furman in 2010. 

He came to the NFL in 2012 as a scout for the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the coaching staff, coaching defensive backs for eight seasons before moving on to Boulder. In Cincinnati, he worked on the same staff as current defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. 

Live Reaction: Robert Livingston leaves CU Buffs for Broncos staff! #BroncosCountry #Broncos @JoshuaDover | @CecilLammey pic.twitter.com/9PLbp88X5S

Payton is still looking to shore up his coaching staff, which could include the addition of Zimmer as a senior assistant. Following the season, the team fired cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch before the Buffalo Bills hired Jim Leonhard to be their new defensive coordinator. 

Livingston will bring some solid experience to a coaching staff looking to keep its secondary among the best in the league. This is a solid move for a team that didn't want to see Leonhard get away and may have found a perfect future candidate for defensive coordinator and perhaps, a head coach down the line. 

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