The winds are changing in Colorado. In late December, we got to know that the Buffs lost two assistant staff members, offensive line coach Phil Loadholt and defensive ends coach Vincent Dancy, to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Then the program has also witnessed some of its best players exiting and entering the NFL draft. Yes, we are talking about Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, as well as Travis Hunter. After a 9-4 season (which is a great improvement from their 4-8 in 2023), will the program see more departures?

The spotlight now shifts to other key names in Deion Sanders’ coaching staff—one man, in particular. Warren Sapp.

He is considered to be a driving force behind Colorado’s defensive turnaround. Sapp, the hall-of-fame defensive tackle who made his name playing in the NFL for Tampa Bay and LV Raiders, wasn’t considering taking a coaching job until he visited the Buffs’ facility in 2023.

‘Coach Prime’ knew how to get Sapp warmed up to the idea, and so, he invited Sapp to give his boys a pep talk. “They were reaching and grabbing and asking questions,” Sapp told The Associated Press at the start of the 2024 season. “For someone that never wanted to do this, I am really addicted to it right now… The babies are really giving me a purpose in life, and I’m enjoying it.” Could such a person leave Colorado to be a head coach elsewhere?

As reported by ‘GreatVibe Ray’ on YouTube, when asked this question, Warren Sapp stated: “No, no. That’s too many hours, too many responsibilities. I like to show up, put some spikes in their life, and get the hell out of the way… I won’t be beneath. I want to be the assistant to the assistant.”

“I was around Rusty Tillman and God bless his soul, rest in heaven. I mean, one of the Ryans, Rob Ryan. Trust me, I am in my Rob Livingston right now. I’ll follow him anywhere in the world,” Warren Sapp stated. It seems he is quite happy in his role with the Buffs.

This ethos channeled into results for the defensive line of Buffaloes that recorded 39 sacks in the season 2024, up from 27 sacks in the previous season.

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The backdrop to Sapp’s comments is the upheaval in Colorado’s coaching staff. Loadholt’s and Dancy’s recent exits show that Sanders still has the problem of retaining important personnel in the heat of college football. Loadholt led the expansion of Colorado’s offensive line, which was instrumental in their performance. On the other hand, Dancy was key in the Buffaloes leading the Big 12 in sacks this year.

Where is Warren Sapp’s place in the Colorado vision?

Although Loadholt and Dancy’s absence raises pressure on Sanders, Warren Sapp has proved to be a solid pillar in Colorado. He is very close to Coach Prime and believes in the long-term potential of the program. Hence, it’s safe to say that he won’t be jumping ship anytime soon.

Speaking about his role, Sapp shared, as reported by ‘GreatVibe Ray’, “Give me the D-line, and let me go down there in the trenches with the big boys. Teach what I know and know what I teach. I love on you just like my kid. But imma damn sure demand something of you just like my kid.”

Colorado fans were seen appreciating Sapp’s no-nonsense style and his ability to inspire players. Despite initial doubts about his hiring, considering he had no prior coaching experience, his commitment to developing young talent has won over critics. Also, his rejection of the possibility of him being head coach elsewhere solidifies his intent to remain focused on his current mission.