![\"Oct](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01kgqq3eb5y7196j77xr.jpg\" "\\"Oct")
<\/p>\nColorado coach Deion Sanders has lost a very valuable member of his staff in assistant defensive line coach Domata Peko who brought NFL experience to the Buffaloes and helped to develop a young defensive line.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes assistant defensive line coach Donato Peko before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Domata Peko\u2019s Message<\/p>\n
Peko had this to say on Instagram following his departure to become the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Peko has built many connections at Colorado and seems to have been very close with several people including defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, edge coach George Helow, and head coach Deion Sanders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Peko\u2019s impact will be one that is missed heading into 2026, especially with many great additions coming on both interior and on the edge. Among these new players are his two sons Domata Peko Jr. who joined the Buffaloes at the beginning of the Spring in 2025 and his younger son Joseph Peko who committed to Colorado to be a freshman defensive tackle next season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Connection to The Players<\/p>\n
Before leaving for Pittsburgh, Peko went to one last team lift with the Buffaloes and said his goodbyes, showing his commitment as a coach and a mentor for these young men.<\/p>\n
Colorado DL coach Domata Peko\u2019s final moments with the Buffs before heading back to the NFL to join the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff. Coach Prime brought real NFL coaching to boulder, and this shows why it matters. pic.twitter.com\/42IlDVouUN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ross Brenner (@_Ross_Brenner_) February 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Many coaches leave college jobs and forget about that to get an NFL job, but Peko seems like a man who will stay connected with his players and create life-long relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n MORE: Colorado Recruit Xavier McDonald Announces Massive Flip on National Signing Day<\/a><\/p>\n MORE: Colorado Buffaloes Emerge As Losers of National Signing Day<\/a><\/p>\n MORE: The Biggest Thing to Know About Colorado on National Signing Day<\/a><\/p>\n SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko (94) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the second quarter on Oct. 4, 2015, at Paul Brown Stadium. | Kareem Elgazzar\/The Enquirer \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n Domata Peko\u2019s Fit as a Pittsburgh Steeler<\/p>\n Peko had a very successful career in the NFL playing the AFC North for the Cincinnati Bengals for 11 seasons as a dominant presence on the interior of the defensive line. He also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens.\u00a0<\/p>\n His experience in this division will help him as a coach. While the landscape of the division is a bit different, the physicality and culture of the teams is very similar.\u00a0<\/p>\n Former NFL quarterback for the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger, who played against Peko had this to say about him:\u00a0<\/p>\n Big Ben on the Steelers new defensive line coach Domata Peko who played for the Bengals:<\/p>\n “When you went to Cincinnati you knew were gonna be sore because of the cheap shots. This guy was not one. This guy was a guy that you respected. He respected the game he respected the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/N5yPlb1n3j<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Bengals](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01kgqq4mcxerrv68j4v6.jpg\" "\\"Bengals")
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