Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are wasting no time in reshaping their defensive strategy following the departure of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. Livingston, who recently joined the Denver Broncos as their new pass game coordinator, had been with Colorado since 2024 after serving as the secondary coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Enter Chris Marve, the linebackers coach poised to step up as the new defensive coordinator. At just 36, Marve is already making waves in the coaching world, and this will mark his second stint as a defensive coordinator.
Marve brings a wealth of experience and a relatable perspective to the role, having been a standout linebacker himself. Sanders, known for his own legendary on-field prowess, likely sees a kindred spirit in Marve-someone who can connect with and inspire the defensive squad.
Marve’s coaching credentials are impressive. A former Vanderbilt Commodore, he earned freshman All-American honors in 2008 and was a three-time second-team All-SEC player from 2009 to 2011. His transition to coaching began at Vanderbilt as a quality control coach and graduate assistant, where he quickly built a reputation for his defensive acumen.
His coaching journey has been marked by significant roles: inside linebackers coach at Vanderbilt (2016-18), defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach at Mississippi State (2019), and linebackers coach at Florida State (2020-21). Most recently, he served as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Virginia Tech from 2022 to 2024.
Marve’s trajectory is one to watch, especially as he joins forces with Coach Prime in Boulder. If he can harness his experience and connect with the players, Marve could be a game-changer for the Buffaloes’ defense and a rising star in the college coaching ranks.