Von Bell: Embracing the Grind in Boulder
BOULDER - When Von Bell made his way to Colorado, he anticipated a quieter offseason. But the former NFL safety found himself right back in the thick of it, this time with a whistle and a new role as the safeties coach for the Colorado Buffaloes.
"I breathe, live, and eat football," Bell shared. "This opportunity is a blessing, and I'm embracing it wholeheartedly."
Initially, Bell was set to contribute as an analyst, staying close to the game while honing his skills. But as spring approached, the chance to coach the safeties emerged, and Bell jumped at it.
"I always thought like a coach," Bell said. "I was the player in the coaches' offices, picking their brains. It was always in me, and now it's official."
Building the Safeties Room
From day one, Bell saw potential in his group.
"The sky's the limit with this group," he noted. "I challenge them daily to push each other and commit to the process."
With players from diverse defensive backgrounds, Bell emphasizes the importance of mastering terminology rather than learning an entirely new system.
"It's about understanding the language," he explained. "I dive in, find the gaps, and challenge the group to keep pressing forward."
What stands out to Bell is the intelligence and versatility of his players.
"They're talented and smart," he said. "They challenge me too, and I love working with them."
Several players have already caught Bell's eye, especially Nate, who has shown a keen interest in mastering the defense.
"Naeten (Mitchell) is doing well," Bell said. "He's constantly in my office, eager to learn. That's what you want in a player."
Bell wants this curiosity and accountability to be contagious across the room.
"When guys show up eager to be coached, it fuels my passion," he added.
Boo Carter is another standout.
"Boo is special," Bell said. "He's hungry to learn and always asking questions. That kind of enthusiasm is exciting for a coach."
Bell believes Carter's instincts and work ethic will serve him well.
"He's got the talent," Bell said. "Now it's about understanding the game and its details. He's ready to work every day."
Coaching Beyond Football
Bell's impact extends beyond the gridiron.
"I teach from my failures," he said. "I've been where they want to go."
His upbringing plays a significant role in his coaching approach.
"I grew up in a structured family," Bell shared. "I pray for strength and wisdom to guide them daily."
Discipline is key for Bell, who continues to train at 4 a.m., setting an example for his players.
"I tried running from it, still wanting to play," he said. "But there's a different calling. Embrace your gifts."
Learning From Experience
Bell's NFL background deeply influences his coaching style.
He often shares insights from conversations with elite quarterbacks he faced.
"Drew Brees once told me, a good quarterback wins six games, a great one wins eight to ten, and the rest is team camaraderie," Bell recalled.
This perspective shapes how he coaches Colorado's safeties.
"We're the defense's quarterbacks," Bell explained. "It's about understanding the game, the offense's story."
Bell wants his players to think like quarterbacks, seeing the bigger picture.
"If we're telling you to hold the sky, hold it," he emphasized.
A Natural Transition
Bell credits his former coaches for shaping his approach.
"I appreciate the coaches who pushed me," he said. "It takes a village."
His journey to Colorado was influenced by longtime trainer Andreu Swasey and former defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.
"I was still working out," Bell said. "Swasey invited me here, and it just clicked. Being around the kids reignited my passion."
Still Fueled by the Game
For Bell, coaching feels like a new angle on football.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity," he said. "It doesn't feel like stepping away."
The competitive fire from his NFL days still burns bright.
"Every day feels like I'm playing," Bell said. "It's chess with players."
And that challenge keeps his passion alive.
"I'm blessed to run with the guys every day," he said. "I love it. The fire is still burning."
Fans eager to see the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes can grab tickets for the AT&T Black & Gold Day on April 11.