Another notable name is exiting the orbit of Deion Sanders in Boulder.
According to USA Today, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp has officially stepped away from Colorado’s coaching staff after two seasons with the program.
The university confirmed the move on February 26, stating that Sapp “has resigned…to pursue other opportunities,” while thanking him for his contributions and work with student-athletes.
Sapp, 53, joined Sanders’ staff in 2024 despite having no prior full-time coaching experience. He started as a graduate assistant before moving into a pass rush coordinator role, bringing his NFL pedigree to a defensive unit that initially showed promise.
Colorado led the Big 12 in sacks during the 2024 season with 39, but that production dropped sharply the following year. The Buffaloes recorded just 13 sacks in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the conference.
His departure adds to a growing list of defensive staff turnover under Deion Sanders. Defensive line coach Domata Peko left for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, while defensive coordinator Robert Livingston joined the Denver Broncos.
Former staffer Chris Marve has since stepped into a larger role, but the exits leave noticeable gaps heading into spring practices.
Sapp’s tenure in Boulder also drew attention off the field. When he was first hired, advocacy groups raised concerns tied to his past legal issues. At the time, Colorado addressed the situation directly, noting that athletic director Rick George had personally met with Sapp to outline expectations, which Sapp agreed to.
Financially, Sapp earned $150,000 in his first season and $156,000 in his second in what was considered an entry-level coaching position.
At one point, Colorado’s staff featured three Pro Football Hall of Famers—Sanders, Sapp, and Marshall Faulk. That number has now dropped to one, with Faulk previously leaving to take a head coaching job at Southern.
The changes come as Sanders continues to navigate an inconsistent run in Boulder. After a 9-4 season in 2024 that brought national attention back to the program, Colorado followed with a 3-9 campaign in 2025. Across three seasons, Sanders holds a 16-21 record.
That uneven trajectory has drawn criticism, including from former Colorado tight end Christian Fauria. Speaking recently on The Zach Gelb Show, Fauria didn’t mince words when discussing Deion Sanders.
“I’m just not a fan of the coach,” Fauria said. “I’ll never be a fan of the coach. I love the school.”
He questioned Sanders’ approach on multiple levels. “I just don’t like the way he coaches football,” Fauria said. “I don’t think he can manage a game…there’s a lot of flash, but no substance.” He also claimed Sanders has “a lot of people…brainwashed.”
Fauria, who once supported the hire, said his perspective shifted over time. “I was all for it,” he said. “But as time went on…none of this makes any sense.”