Livingston’s arrival in Denver reunites him with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The two previously worked together on the Cincinnati Bengals’ staff in 2014 and 2015, when Joseph was the defensive backs coach and Livingston served as a scout and special teams assistant. Having spent over a decade in Cincinnati before moving to the collegiate ranks, Livingston is expected to bring a high level of technical detail to a Broncos secondary that finished near the top of the league in several categories last season.
Transforming the Buffaloes’ Defense Under ‘Coach Prime’
During his first season in Boulder in 2024, Livingston orchestrated one of the most dramatic defensive turnarounds in recent college football history. He helped the Buffaloes leap from 121st in scoring defense to 43rd nationally, allowing just 23.1 points per game. His aggressive coverage schemes were instrumental in Colorado’s 9-4 record and were a primary factor in Travis Hunter winning the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player before becoming the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft.
However, the 2025 season proved more challenging following the loss of several NFL-bound starters, including Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig. The unit regressed to 111th in scoring defense as the team struggled to a 3-9 finish. Despite the late-season slump, Livingston’s reputation as a “teacher and tactician” remained high among NFL scouts, ultimately leading Sean Payton to recruit him back to the professional level to refine the Broncos’ back-end communication.
Chris Marve Promoted to Colorado Defensive Coordinator
Deion Sanders moved quickly to fill the vacancy left by Livingston, promoting recently hired linebackers coach Chris Marve to defensive coordinator. Marve, 36, joined the Buffaloes’ staff in December after serving as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2024. A former All-SEC linebacker at Vanderbilt, Marve is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks and will be the third defensive coordinator in four years for the Sanders era.
The promotion is seen as a strategic move to maintain continuity ahead of spring practices, which are set to begin next week. Marve’s defense at Virginia Tech was noted for its toughness, ranking third in the ACC in points allowed during his final season in Blacksburg. By promoting from within, Sanders hopes to avoid a complete schematic overhaul during a spring that already requires significant roster rebuilding following the departure of several senior leaders to the professional ranks.
The Role of a Defensive Passing Game Coordinator
In his new role with the Broncos, Livingston will be tasked with more than just coaching the safeties. As the defensive passing game coordinator, he will oversee opponent breakdowns, coverage construction, and the “checks” required to combat modern NFL passing concepts. His job is essentially to serve as the architect of the air defense, ensuring that the defensive backs and linebackers are perfectly aligned against motion-heavy offenses.
Vance Joseph’s defense in Denver was elite in 2025, ranking second in total yards allowed, but the team identified a need for more takeaways after finishing tied for 26th in the league with only 14 interceptions. Livingston’s track record in Cincinnati—where he was part of a staff that reached a Super Bowl—and his success in unlocking Travis Hunter’s ball-hawking abilities make him an ideal candidate to modernize Denver’s takeaway strategies for the 2026 campaign.
Reuniting a Trusted Bengals Connection
The “reunion” aspect of this hire is a significant factor in Sean Payton’s staff reset. By bringing in a coach who already speaks Vance Joseph’s “coaching language,” the Broncos expect a seamless integration during OTAs. The familiarity between Joseph and Livingston dates back nearly 12 years, a bond that Payton believes will allow for faster installation of complex coverage rules. This level of trust is critical for a team that has seen significant staff turnover since their AFC Championship Game appearance.
Livingston is the latest in a series of coaching changes for Denver this offseason. The team recently hired Doug Belk as cornerbacks coach and John Morton as offensive passing game coordinator. These moves reflect a broader strategy by Payton to invest in “specialized detail” roles rather than just traditional position coaches. By having a dedicated coordinator for the passing game, the Broncos are signaling their intent to be more proactive in their defensive adjustments.
A New Chapter for Colorado’s “Prime” Defense
For the Colorado Buffaloes, Livingston’s departure marks the end of an era that brought NFL-style professionalism to the Boulder defense. His ability to vet transfer portal talent and prepare them for the league was a major selling point for “Coach Prime” on the recruiting trail. Now, Chris Marve must step into that role and prove he can maintain the high bar set during the 2024 season while managing a defense that has been largely reset through the portal this winter.
As the Broncos begin their 2026 preparations, Livingston’s return to the NFL will be closely watched by fans in both Denver and Boulder. His departure is a testament to the “Sanders Effect,” as another member of the Colorado staff has made the leap to a prominent NFL position. For the Broncos, the hope is that Livingston’s expertise will be the final piece needed to push an already strong defense into the league’s absolute elite.