Coach Sanders, Colorado close to adding Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator, AP source says
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes plan to hire Cincinnati Bengals assistant coach Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator, a source familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet completed the hiring process. Livingston replaces Charles Kelly, who currently holds a similar role at Auburn. Livingston inherited a Colorado defense that allowed 34.8 points and 453.3 yards per game in Sanders’ first season.
Livingston started as a scout with the Bengals in 2012 and later joined their coaching staff. He played guard the last six seasons. At Colorado State, he worked with a secondary that included first-team All-Pac-12 quarterbacks Travis Hunter and Shiloh Sanders at receiver.
Livingston will be responsible for revamping a defense that has struggled to put consistent pressure on linebackers. Colorado started 3-0 last season and then dropped eight of its final nine games to finish 4-8.
The Buffaloes did everything they could to snap out of the skid, including changing offensive coordinators when Sean Lewis lost the playmaking duties to Pat Shurmur. Lewis left Colorado in late November to become the head coach at San Diego State University.
Deion Sanders focused on strengthening his offensive line this offseason to protect his quarterback son, Masterpiece. The team added several potentially impactful linebackers, including five-star prospect Jordan Seaton.
The Buffaloes are moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 next season.
