In a strategic move reminiscent of their past, the Denver Broncos have once again dipped into the college coaching pool to bolster their defensive staff. This time, they didn't have to look far, setting their sights on Boulder to bring in CU's defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston. This decision comes in the wake of Jim Leonhard's departure to the Buffalo Bills and the recent exit of secondary coach Addison Lynch.
Joining Livingston is Doug Belk, formerly of USC, who will assist in guiding the Broncos' defensive backs. Livingston's return to the NFL marks a homecoming of sorts, after a 12-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals where he climbed the ranks from scout to safeties coach. His time in Cincinnati also saw him cross paths with Vance Joseph, who was on the Bengals’ staff before moving on to a coordinator role with the Miami Dolphins.
Livingston's impact at CU was immediate and significant. Under his leadership, the Buffs' defense made a remarkable leap from 130th to 50th in total defense in 2024.
This turnaround caught the attention of several NFL teams, earning Livingston a hefty raise into the seven-figure range. Despite a dip in overall defensive rankings last season, CU maintained a strong pass defense, ranking 41st among FBS programs.
The Broncos are banking on Livingston's NFL experience and his proven ability to revitalize a defense to bring fresh energy and expertise to their ranks. With both Livingston and Belk on board, Denver's defensive unit is poised for a new chapter, one that fans hope will be marked by innovation and success on the field.