Deion Sanders makes familiar move as ex-NFL player hired to Colorado coaching staff

Deion Sanders has added another NFL star to his Colorado staff ahead of the 2025 college football season with Domata Peko arriving as defensive line coach.

Sanders is considered one of the best athletes in sports history after sensationally starring in both the NFL and MLB during his playing days.

He was brought to Colorado to turn the Buffaloes around, as the team had won double-digit games just once since 2002 and its 1-11 record in 2022 was its worst since 2012.

Despite a fast start, Colorado slipped to a 4-8 record in his debut season in 2023 but Sanders son Shedeur and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter helped the Buffaloes claim a 9-3 record in 2024 - including going 7-2 in the Big 12.

Now, Sanders is looking to a new era under a new quarterback and a bolstered staff.

After already bringing in the likes of Tampa Bay Buccaneers all-time great Warren Sapp as senior quality control analyst on defense, Peko will serve as the Buffaloes defensive line coach.

Peko began his career at the College of the Canyons in 2002, although he transferred to Michigan State in 2004.

Pekos size and talent caught the eye, and the defensive tackle was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft .

This sparked a 15-year career in which Peko played for the Bengals, Denver Broncos , Baltimore Ravens , and Arizona Cardinals , where he ended his career in 2020.

Pekos NFL career saw him feature in 214 games with 194 starts, logging 616 tackles, 20 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

He entered coaching after calling time on his playing days and spent the 2024 season working with the defensive line for the Dallas Cowboys .

Super Bowl LIX: Philadelphia Eagles fans can celebrate historic win with Super Bowl LIX merch Peko replaced Damione Lewis, who departed his role for Miami.

The 40-year-old will team up with Sapp to give Colorado nearly three decades of premier experience at the highest level as Sanders seeks to bolster the Buffaloes defensive front.

The Colorado coaching staff continues to be bolstered by NFL experience and Hall of Fame talent.

As well as Sapp and Peko on defense, former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur is the offensive coordinator for the Buffaloes.

Meanwhile, 2000 NFL MVP Marshall Faulk - renowned for this role at the core of the Greatest Show on Turf - has accepted a role as the running backs coach .

Rather than prior coaching experience, Faulk's role relies heavily on his name recognition as Sanders aims to attract top running back recruits to the program.

Colorado begins the 2025 season against Georgia Tech in August..

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