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Warren Sapp will not return Deion Sanders’ staff at Colorado for the 2026 season. This marks another significant loss for the program.
The news was first reported by longtime Denver reporter Brandon Krisztal. Colorado released a statement thanking Sapp for his contributions over the past two seasons.
“CU Athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the last two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes,” the statement read.
Sapp, 53, joined Sanders’ staff in 2023 despite previously indicating he did not envision himself as a coach. He began as a high-paid graduate assistant in 2024, working with the defensive line, before being promoted to defensive pass rush coordinator for the 2025 season.
During his tenure, Colorado’s sack production fluctuated sharply. The Buffaloes ranked 63rd nationally in sacks in 2023 and improved to 16th in 2024 before plummeting to 129th in 2025 amid a 3-9 season.
Sapp’s departure comes days after defensive coordinator Robert Livingston left for the NFL and linebackers coach Chris Marve was promoted. Defensive line coach Domata Peko also exited for the NFL earlier this offseason.
More: Steve Sarkisian blasts Ohio State players for not going to class
Marshall Faulk was another Gold Jacket recipient who left the program. He one-and-done in his time at Colorado and became the head coach of Southern University.
Sapp enjoyed a 13-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders, recording 96.5 sacks and earning four first-team All-Pro selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
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