Deion Sanders, Colorado Dealt Bad News After College Football Season
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Deion Sanders’ second season as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes was a far cry from the breakthrough of his first year in Boulder. After leading a previously downtrodden program to a surprising 7-2 start in 2024 that eventually led to Colorado playing a bowl game, the Buffaloes stumbled in 2025.
Colorado finished 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big 12 play, missing bowl eligibility and showing inconsistency on both sides of the ball. Their offense averaged just 20.9 points per game and the defense surrendered 30.5 points per game, underscoring the long road ahead for Colorado’s rebuild before the start of the 2026 season.
As Sanders prepares for his third season in 2026, the program has now been dealt another notable setback.
According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to hire defensive line coach Domata Peko, who spent the 2025 season on Sanders’ Boulder staff, as their new defensive line coach.
Peko’s departure further disrupts Colorado’s coaching continuity just as the Buffaloes are trying to stabilize after a disappointing campaign.
More coaching movement of note to AFC North fans: The Steelers plan to hire former Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko as defensive line coach, per source.
Peko had been defensive line coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) February 2, 2026
Peko’s pedigree includes 15 NFL seasons as a standout defensive tackle, including 11 years with the Cincinnati Bengals and stops with the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. He began coaching in 2024 as a defensive assistant with the Dallas Cowboys before joining Sanders’ staff last year. His experience as a pro and early coaching resume made him an important mentor for Colorado’s front‑line defenders.
The loss of Peko continues a theme of staff turnover for Sanders. The Buffaloes have already seen other assistants like offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur depart since the season ended.
On the field, Colorado’s roster is undergoing a transformation. The program has already brought in 41 players via the transfer portal, addressing needs on both sides of the ball as Sanders attempts to accelerate the rebuild. Redshirt freshman Julian Lewis is projected to take the reins as starting quarterback following the departure of Keidon Salter, who declared for the NFL draft in January.
Related: College Football Powerhouse Lands 40 Players From Transfer Portal
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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